Candace Parker: Motherhood is ‘Truly a Blessing’

Tags: Parenting

David Sherman/NBAE/Getty

Although her daughter Lailaa Nicole is just six weeks old, WNBA star Candace Parker says there’s already an informal college recruiting frenzy taking place. “When I first told [University of Tennessee] Coach [Pat] Summitt that I was pregnant, she was like, ‘Where can we send the papers?’” Candace tells TIME magazine. “I had to remind her that my husband [NBA star Shelden Williams] went to Duke, so he’s pushing for her to go there.” All joking aside, life as parents has been “great” for the couple, who married last year.

“My baby is the joy in my life. Obviously, I’m suffering from lack of sleep, but it truly is a blessing to be a mother.”

As promised, Candace is working hard to return to her team — the Los Angeles Sparks — by the end of July, and has stated her intent to resume practice over the next two weeks. “I don’t think it’s going to be easy, by any means, but I think it’s possible to come back better than I was,” she says. “I understand my body a lot more. I focus a lot more on stretching and taking care of myself.” Inspiration — should she need it — is everywhere, Candace adds.

“My teammates have done it. Tina Thompson came back the same season she delivered her son. Lisa Leslie waited a year. They’re still at the top of their game.”

Sources: TIME, Twitter

– Missy

• Posted on Jun 29, 09 at 5:00PM
• Permalink
• 4 Comments

• Post to:

• Facebook
• Digg

• E-mail
• RSS
  • My AOL
  • My Google
  • My Yahoo
  • My MSN
  • RSS

4 Responses to “Candace Parker: Motherhood is ‘Truly a Blessing’”

1. Crystal Says:
   June 29th, 2009 at 5:44 pm

   Awww!!! I ♥ the name Lailaa!!! I’m so happy for Candace and Sheldon!!! The comment about Pat Summitt is HILARIOUS!!! I can totally see it!!! I can’t wait to see little Miss Williams!!!! I’ll bet she’s BEAUTIFUL!!! Enjoy your little blessing you guys!!!

2. Michelle Says:
   June 29th, 2009 at 6:33 pm

   Go Candace! Good luck this season:)

3. nicky Says:
   June 29th, 2009 at 8:32 pm

   A wonderful choice for a middle name! It’s my first name
   Actually, a wonderful choice for the whole name period. It flows so well and is unique without being too out there. With such stunning parents, I’m sure that baby Lailaa is just as gorgeous

4. Mel Says:
   June 29th, 2009 at 11:02 pm

   I was tottally right about the name!

Post a comment

Comments are moderated, and will not appear until the site staff has approved them.

The following types of comments will not be posted:

• namecalling.
• any type of discrimination.
• explicit sexual references.
• advertising and spam.
• off-topic and completely unrelated to the post.

We are cautious about discussions on volatile topics such as abortion, religion, politics and race.

If you have questions, concerns, or breaking news to share, please contact us at CBBTips@gmail.com rather than posting a comment.

Feel free to agree or disagree with each other as long as you do it respectfully, remembering that we all have our own experiences and perspectives. Keep in mind that there are people on the other end reading what you write.

Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this weblog until the author has approved them.