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Candace Parker named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

By Caleb Calhoun

PALMETTO, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Dallas Wings has her shot blocked by Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks defends during the second half at Feld Entertainment Center on August 23, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
PALMETTO, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Dallas Wings has her shot blocked by Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks defends during the second half at Feld Entertainment Center on August 23, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Volunteers and Los Angeles Sparks legend Candace Parker has a new accomplishment.

It looks like Candace Parker can add a new award to her list of elite accomplishments. What could the Tennessee Lady Vols legend possible add given all that she’s accomplished throughout her career on the basketball court?

Well, Parker is now adding her defensive credentials to her profile. AP has named her WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, according to UTSports. She earned that award while also leading the league in rebounding for the third time in her career.

For the season, Candace Parker averaged 14.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks a game. So While she dominated the boards, Parker was able to be effective guarding players on the perimeter and blocking shots down low.

Simply put, at 34 years, old, she continues to prove she can still do it all. She was the main reason the Sparks made it to the playoffs with a No. 3 seed thanks to their 15-7 record, and they could win it behind her efforts.

At this point, it may be safe to say Parker has accomplished everything possible for a professional basketball player. She already has multiple MVPs, a championship, a Finals MVP, multiple Olympic gold medals and an All-Star game MVP, and she did win Rookie of the Year back in 2008.

However, out of all of those awards, her mentor, the late Lady Vol legend Pat Summitt, would have been most proud of her DPOY award and the fact that she led the league in rebounding. Summitt always emphasized defense and rebounding for her post players, and Parker has provided that time and time again at the professional level.

Next. Pat Summitt's top 10 wins as Lady Vols head coach. dark

In college, Candace Parker was a three-time All-American, a two-time Player of the Year and a two-time champion. Simply put, she’s as accomplished as a person could possible be playing basketball, and adding this award proves that. The Tennessee Lady Vols are well-represented by her every time she takes the court.