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The Untold Story Of Candace Parker's Wife: Who Is Anna Petrakova And Their Growing Family

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The question of "who is Candace Parker married to" has a beautifully complex and modern answer: she is married to Anna Petrakova, a former professional Russian basketball player and her long-time partner. The couple, who first met on the basketball court, managed to keep their private life remarkably secret for years, stunning the world when they publicly announced their marriage and growing family in 2021. As of late 2024, the family has expanded, with the couple welcoming a new son, making their partnership one of the most compelling and inspiring stories in sports today.

This article dives deep into the life of Anna Petrakova, the timeline of their relationship, and the details of their blended and growing family, offering the most current and comprehensive look at the woman who captured the heart of the two-time WNBA MVP and basketball legend.

Anna Petrakova: Biography and Basketball Career

Anna "Anya" Viktorovna Petrakova-Parker is much more than just Candace Parker's wife; she is a highly accomplished athlete in her own right. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Petrakova carved out a successful career both in the United States and internationally before retiring to focus on her family.

  • Full Name: Anna Viktorovna Petrakova-Parker
  • Nationality: Russian
  • Spouse: Candace Parker (m. December 2019)
  • Profession: Former Professional Basketball Player (Power Forward)
  • Alma Mater (USA): University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns)
  • College Achievements: Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year (2005), Two-time All-SBC selection, one of only ten players in school history to amass 1,000 career points.
  • International Career: Member of the Russian Women's National Basketball Team, played in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
  • European Clubs: Played for numerous top clubs in Russia and Europe, including UMMC Ekaterinburg, where she was a teammate of Candace Parker.
  • Retirement: Retired from professional basketball in 2017.

Petrakova’s journey to the top of her sport mirrored Parker’s in many ways, setting the stage for their eventual connection. Her impressive college and international career provided the foundation for a life steeped in competitive excellence, a trait she shares with her wife.

A Love Story Kept Secret: The Candace and Anna Relationship Timeline

The relationship between Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova is a testament to privacy and deep connection, with their love story blossoming away from the public eye for years. Their paths first crossed in a professional setting, which laid the groundwork for a personal bond.

Meeting on the Court

Parker and Petrakova first met in 2012 while playing for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason. This was a common practice for WNBA stars, and it was during this time, away from the intense media scrutiny of the WNBA, that their friendship developed into something more profound.

The Secret Wedding

After years of dating quietly, the couple made the monumental decision to marry in a private ceremony in December 2019. This decision to keep their nuptials secret for almost two years speaks volumes about their desire to protect their personal life and relationship from the constant glare of celebrity. It wasn't until two years later that the world learned the WNBA star was married.

The Public Announcement

In a move that "shook the Internet," Candace Parker publicly announced her marriage to Petrakova on December 14, 2021, on the couple’s second wedding anniversary. The announcement was made via an emotional Instagram post, where Parker also revealed that Petrakova was pregnant with their first child together. This moment marked their official public debut as a married couple and a family.

The Parker-Petrakova Blended Family: Children and Life at Home

The Parker-Petrakova household is a loving, blended family built on mutual respect and shared parenting. They are currently raising three children, creating a beautiful and modern family unit.

Lailaa Nicole Williams

Candace Parker’s eldest child, Lailaa Nicole Williams, was born in 2009 during Parker's first marriage to former NBA player Shelden Williams. Lailaa has been an integral part of Parker's life and career, often seen celebrating with her mother on the court. She has fully embraced Anna Petrakova as a second mother, forming a strong, cohesive family unit.

The Two Sons: Airr and Hartt

Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova share two sons, both born to Petrakova. The names of their children hold special significance, reflecting their deep personal and professional connections.

Airr Larry Petrakova Parker

The couple welcomed their first son, Airr Larry Petrakova Parker, on February 11, 2022. The birth of Airr was the first major public step in their journey as a married couple, sharing their joy with the world shortly after their marriage announcement.

Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker

The newest addition to the family, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, was born in May 2024. This birth is the freshest and most current news regarding the couple's family life. The middle name "Summitt" is a heartfelt tribute to the late legendary women's basketball coach, Pat Summitt, who was a profound mentor to Candace Parker during her college career at the University of Tennessee. This choice of name highlights the enduring influence of basketball on their personal lives and values.

The family often shares glimpses of their life on social media, showcasing a home filled with love, sports, and the joys of raising three children. From celebrating Candace Parker’s 2023 WNBA retirement to managing their busy post-playing careers, the couple remains a powerful example of partnership and dedication.

Anna Petrakova’s Role Post-Retirement and Supporting Candace

Since retiring from professional play in 2017, Anna Petrakova has embraced her role as a devoted partner and mother. Her background as an elite athlete gives her a unique understanding of the demands and pressures of Candace Parker's career, both on the court and as a high-profile sports analyst and commentator.

Petrakova’s support was crucial during the final years of Parker’s historic WNBA career, which culminated in her retirement in 2023. As Parker transitioned into her post-playing life—continuing her work as a respected basketball analyst and expanding her business ventures—Petrakova’s steady presence has been a cornerstone of their life together. Their partnership is a powerful blend of two highly successful individuals who have found their greatest success and happiness in building a family together, proving that love and family can thrive even under the brightest spotlight.

who is candace parker married to
who is candace parker married to

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