CHICAGO — Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper attended former teammate and Chicago Sky legend Candace Parker’s jersey retirement ceremony on Monday evening.
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Oct 10, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Sky guard/forward Kahleah Copper (2) and Chicago Sky forward/center Candace Parker (3) celebrate against the Phoenix Mercury during the second half of game one of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Copper and Parker were teammates from 2021 to 2022, winning a WNBA Championship in their first season together. Parker played in the WNBA for 16 seasons, announcing her official retirement in April 2024.
“I wouldn’t miss this day for anything, Candace,” Copper said in her speech, according to Front Office Sports Annie Costabile.
Aug 20, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Candace Parker (3) looks to pass the ball against the New York Liberty during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Parker was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks out of the University of Tennessee. She helped the team secure its third WNBA Championship in 2016 before signing with the Sky as a free agent in 2021.
After her time in Chicago, Parker spent her final season with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.
Oct 15, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard/forward Kahleah Copper (2) high fives forward/center Candace Parker (3) during the first half of game three of the 2021 WNBA Finals against the Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Parker is the only player in the league to have won three championships with three different teams: the Sparks, the Sky and the Aces.
“Just know that your legacy is secure,” Copper said. “And it lives in all of us who were lucky enough to play beside you. You have truly left the game better than you found it.”
Oct 17, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward/center Candace Parker (3) hugs Chicago Sky guard/forward Kahleah Copper (2) with teammates after the team won game four of the 2021 WNBA Finals against the Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
According to the Chicago Tribune’s Julia Poe, Parker averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 blocks in her two seasons with the Sky.
“I’m proud of you, I’m grateful for you,” said Copper. “[I will] always ride for you, pinky promise. Love you forever, champ.”
Copper’s speech pic.twitter.com/AvPGIcadpf
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) August 26, 2025
Copper’s heartfelt speech celebrated Parker’s accomplishments, her impact on Chicago and her influence on those throughout her career.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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