Chasing Championships: Candace Parker & IMG Academy

Picture this: you’re a redshirt freshman and the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament - make that the first woman to dunk twice in a college game. Later on into your junior year, you forgo your final season of eligibility to focus on the Olympics and to pursue a professional career in basketball. A short time later, you welcome a beautiful little girl into your world and go on to win two gold medals and a slew of highly sought-after accolades as a full time WNBA athlete. Meet L.A. Sparks forward, Candace Parker: WNBA Champion, MVP, All-Star, Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, Olympic athlete, People feature as one of the World’s 100 Most Beautiful People, mother, and more.

Check out this clip during Parker’s time in Bradenton, Florida as IMG Academy hosts the 2020 WNBA season:

There is a tangible energy on campus - one that Parker and WNBA athletes have experienced since their arrival in July 2020. This year has introduced a dynamic set of unexpected challenges, but with it, unique opportunities that may not have otherwise been possible. As the official host of the 2020 WNBA season, the IMG Academy “Wubble” has provided an all-inclusive destination for the League, while also breaking ground on new, state-of-the-art complexes for basketball and tennis. All practices are held inside IMG’s professional-grade court space, and all games tip off at Feld Entertainment, an Academy partner just a short drive from campus. Check out these snapshots from Parker’s time in the Wubble:

With the recent start of the fall boarding school semester, the health and safety of our student-athletes, staff, faculty, and WNBA athletes remain our number one priority. The IMG basketball program continues to thrive, effectively balancing a high-level academic schedule and expert on-court instruction; both mirroring that of the collegiate level. Parker recognizes the proven preparation IMG Academy provides student-athletes for success at the next level, regardless of their sport. An integral aspect of that success is the individual support and strategy provided by a team of experienced coaches, academic teachers, knowledgeable college placement advisors, and more.

I wish that I had the opportunity to attend a place like IMG. Just being in this atmosphere, I definitely think IMG prepares you for the next level.”

- Candace Parker (F) - Los Angeles Sparks

To ensure each student-athlete has an enriching experience and optimal developmental opportunity, the IMG basketball program features a structure of various teams and levels, including National, Varsity, Junior National, Middle School, and Post-Graduate. Each student-athlete and their family receive a strategic roadmap designed to develop them both academically and athletically as they prepare for the next level.

Learn more about the same basketball boarding school program that claimed the 2019 GEICO High School National Championship, and take the first step towards achieving your dreams at IMG Academy.