ESPN REPORT: Candace Parker Crowned Greatest of All Time in Women’s College Basketball.

ESPN REPORT: Candace Parker Crowned Greatest of All Time in Women’s College Basketball.

 

ESPN has named legendary Tennessee Lady Vol Candace Parker as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in women’s college basketball. The former two-time NCAA champion beat out iconic competitors including UConn’s Diana Taurasi, USC’s Cheryl Miller, and Kansas standout Lynette Woodard in a comprehensive evaluation of collegiate excellence, impact, and legacy.

 

Parker’s dominance at Tennessee under the legendary coach Pat Summitt redefined the forward position. She became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game and led the Lady Vols to back-to-back national titles in 2007 and 2008. Her blend of size, athleticism, and skill changed how the women’s game was played, earning her multiple Player of the Year honors.

 

“She was a generational talent,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “Candace could do it all—score, rebound, defend, pass—and she made it look effortless.”

 

Parker’s collegiate stats and accolades were only part of what set her apart. Her presence elevated the profile of women’s college basketball during a pivotal time in its growth. While Taurasi’s clutch performances, Miller’s dominance in the 1980s, and Woodard’s pioneering achievements left indelible marks on the game, ESPN’s panel emphasized Parker’s transcendent influence on and off the court.

 

Now a three-time WNBA champion and respected broadcaster, Parker continues to inspire the next generation of players. Her GOAT designation by ESPN is not just a nod to past glory but a recognition of lasting impact.

 

In Parker’s own words: “I stood on the shoulders of giants. This honor belongs to every woman who paved the way and everyone still chasing

greatness.”