Legendary Tennessee basketball player Candace Parker defeated Lynette Woodard of Kentucky, Diana Taurasi of UConn, and Cheryl Miller of USC to be declared the greatest of all time in college women’s basketball.

Admin May 21, 2025

Candace Parker’s legacy in the world of college women’s basketball stands as one of the most celebrated and unparalleled achievements in the sport’s history. Throughout her remarkable career, she not only showcased her tremendous skill and athleticism on the court but also set a standard for greatness that future generations of players would strive to meet. The recognition of Parker as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in college women’s basketball is a culmination of her talent, leadership, and unwavering determination. Her accomplishments transcend individual achievements, positioning her as a key figure in the growth and development of women’s college basketball.

Candace Parker’s journey to becoming one of the greatest college basketball players of all time began long before her tenure at the University of Tennessee. Born on April 19, 1986, in Naperville, Illinois, Parker was a natural talent who excelled in multiple sports from a young age. However, it was basketball where she truly made her mark. She dominated at Naperville Central High School, earning numerous accolades and awards, including being named the 2004 Illinois Miss Basketball. Her ability to play both as a forward and center, combined with her sharp basketball IQ and athleticism, made her a force to be reckoned with.

Parker’s success at the high school level caught the attention of top college programs, and in 2004, she committed to play for the University of Tennessee under the legendary head coach Pat Summitt. Tennessee had a rich basketball tradition, and the prospect of Parker joining the Lady Vols sent a wave of excitement through the program.

Candace Parker’s freshman season at Tennessee (2005-06) was nothing short of spectacular. She made an immediate impact, and her contributions helped elevate Tennessee to new heights. Despite suffering a torn ACL in her left knee during the early part of her career, Parker’s recovery was swift, and she returned to the court with even more intensity and determination. Her first full season with the Lady Vols was a defining one, as she led the team to a national championship in 2007. Her 2007 NCAA Tournament performance was a testament to her all-around brilliance—scoring, rebounding, defending, and contributing in ways that made her indispensable to her team.

Her most memorable moment during the tournament came in the national championship game, where she was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Her performance throughout the tournament solidified her place as one of the best players in the country and marked the beginning of her ascent to the pinnacle of college basketball.

In 2008, Candace Parker’s star continued to shine as she solidified her place as one of the greatest to ever play the game. To understand the significance of Parker’s achievement as the GOAT in college women’s basketball, we must consider the other players who have also made significant contributions to the game’s history.

Lynette Woodard was a groundbreaking player who helped pave the way for future generations of women’s basketball stars. Woodard played for the University of Kansas in the late 1970s and early 1980s, earning numerous accolades, including being a two-time All-American and the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters. Woodard’s leadership and success were crucial in raising the profile of women’s basketball. However, her college career was limited by the lack of national recognition and resources available to women’s sports at the time. While her impact was undeniable, she did not have the same level of media exposure or tournament opportunities that Parker benefited from in the 2000s.

Diana Taurasi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in college women’s basketball history. A member of the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies, Taurasi’s college career was filled with success and accolades. She led UConn to three NCAA championships and was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player multiple times. Taurasi’s scoring ability, leadership, and basketball IQ made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Her prowess on the court was undeniable, and she became the face of women’s college basketball in the early 2000s.

However, while Taurasi’s career at UConn was exemplary, her success was built on a different foundation compared to Parker’s. UConn, under head coach Geno Auriemma, was already a powerhouse when Taurasi arrived, and while Taurasi’s leadership was critical to the team’s sustained success, Parker’s unique ability to excel in multiple facets of the game and carry Tennessee to new heights set her apart.

Cheryl Miller is another player whose name is often brought up in discussions of the greatest college basketball players of all time. Miller played for the University of Southern California (USC) from 1982 to 1986 and revolutionized the women’s game. Her combination of scoring, passing, and rebounding was unprecedented, and she led USC to two NCAA titles. Miller’s impact on the game went beyond her college career, as she helped pave the way for women’s professional basketball in the United States.

Miller’s legacy is undeniable, but like Woodard, her career unfolded in a different era. In the mid-1980s, women’s sports were still fighting for recognition and equal opportunities. While Miller dominated at USC, the national stage was not as expansive as it would later become during Parker’s tenure at Tennessee.

Admin May 21, 2025