Lady Vols' Candace Parker named "Icon and Leader" in sports

Tennessee Lady Vols basketball superstar Candace Parker has had a pretty successful career after college. She spent 16 seasons in the WNBA and has become a valuable voice in basketball since retiring, which is a big reason why she landed on Sports Illustrated's list of "The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports."

She won two National Championships at Tennessee and then became one of the best players in the WNBA for almost two decades. 

While at Tennessee, she was named SEC All-Freshman, 2006-07 SEC Player of the Year, Naismith Award and two-time Wooden Award winner, three-time NCAA All-Region, two-time NCAA All-Tournament player, and 2007-08 AP Player of the Year. 

She didn't slow down in the WNBA. She was a 2008 Rookie of the Year, two-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and three-time WNBA Champion. Throughout her career, she averaged 16 points, 8.5 rebounds, and four assists per game. 

Parker was named in the "Icons and Legends" category with megastars LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Simone Biles, and Dawn Staley. 

"She retired from the WNBA after 16 seasons, but Parker still has lofty ambitions, SI writes about Parker. "In addition to working as an analyst for TNT and NBA TV, she became Adidas's president of women's basketball in May. Plus, she has declared her aim to own NBA and WNBA franchises."

Parker has been one of the best additions to TNT and NBA TV as an analyst, providing commentary and insights about both the NBA and WNBA. 

She has become one of the most iconic women's basketball players and one of the biggest sports figures, following her former coach, Pat Summitt. Both are icons of the game in their own way as Parker continues writing her story as an analyst and potential future executive.