All for Tennessee
Fansided

Candace Parker honors Pat Summitt in another emotional moment

ByCaleb Calhoun|
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 15: Candace Parker #3 of the Chicago Sky shows her jersey during the second half of the game against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena on May 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 15: Candace Parker #3 of the Chicago Sky shows her jersey during the second half of the game against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena on May 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

It’s impossible to overestimate the impact the late Pat Summitt had on her players during her nearly four-decade career as head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols. Candace Parker demonstrated that again Wednesday.

In her first year with the Chicago Sky, Parker made it back to the WNBA Finals, as her team defeated the Connecticut Sun 79-69 to win that series 3-1. They will face either the Las Vegas Aces or the Phoenix Mercury.

After the game, Parker spoke with Holly Rowe about a variety of topics, including what it meant to lead her hometown to the finals, but she went out of her way to honor Summitt. She choked up while doing it in the process.

This isn’t the first time Candace Parker has brought up Summitt in an emotional moment either. Five years ago, when she won her first WNBA Championship, then as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks, she broke down in an even more emotional way honoring her. Summitt had passed away nearly four months prior to that event.

None of this is shocking to anybody who has followed Candace Parker throughout her career. She has always gone out of her way to mention the impact Summitt had on her. Given the fact that her career on Rocky Top happened later in Summitt’s tenure, it speaks volumes to Summitt’s abilities that she was able to still inspire, develop and have such a lasting impact on players.

Of course, Parker’s impact on the university can’t be overstated either. Chamique Holdsclaw is definitely the most accomplished Lady Vol at the college level, but Parker definitely has a solid case to be named the program’s greatest player ever. If she wins the WNBA Finals this year, she’ll certainly be the most accomplished Lady Vol at the college and pro levels combined.

Parker’s play Wednesday showed more respect for Summitt than anything. She had 17 points, but what really stood out were her nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Although she wasn’t the leading scorer, that showed she was the best player thanks to her dominance inside, her tough defense and her smart decisions. Summitt would be proud.