CANDACE PARKER:THE FIRST PREGNANT WOMAN TO BE FEATURED ON THE COVER OF ESPN
[Cover on newspaper stands on March 13,2009]
I’m proud of my child, excited about my child and I’m excited about the opportunity to have a child and be an athlete,” said Parker, 22, on Wednesday.
The WNBA player is the first pregnant female athlete to cover ESPN magazine. Gary Belsky, editor in chief of the magazine reveals, “We don’t do a lot of female athletes on the cover. Candace has made it more interesting. She’s got Adidas, McDonald’s and Gatorade as sponsors; that’s a pretty strong big three. But it’s still tough to put a woman on the cover for us.”
It’s especially tough since the target audience of ESPN magazine is for the 18- to 34-year-old male
For the cover shoot, Candace was put in a white dress to make the photo more “dramatic” and to make her look ”radiant and athletic.” The result was a very athletic, pregnant looking Candace.
So how is the mom-to-be doing? “I’m great. I’m working out three or four times a week. The hard part about being an athlete is learning that when you feel tired you can’t push yourself,” said Candace.
Candace and husband Shelden Williams, a forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves, are expecting their baby in early May.
Michael Muller pictures, Source
What a stunning photo! This is huge step for ESPN to take a chance on putting a pregnant woman/athlete on the front cover! congrats to Candace and her husband.
Awww she looks pretty AND athletic! I love the fact that she doesn’t listen to people who tell her she should wait to have kids because of her b-ball career.
Go ESPN I think Candance looks great, If anyone thinks she is pretty on the cover, you should see her in person. The girl is pretty. Her and her husband are so nice, I wish them well. Candance Parents did a great job.
i like the middle picture
This is a great photo! Congratulations to Candance and Sheldon!
Oh yeah, Candance Parker broke my 3 year old son’s heart. He told me Candance Parker was his girlfriend. I said that’s so cute. He just heard his teenager sister and friends talking about boyfriends. Anyway, when Candance married Sheldon, I told my son Candance can’t be your girlfriend anymore, because she is married and has a husband. I showed him Sheldon on the internet with Candance. And he said Mommy why Candance can’ be my girlfriend wih the saddest face. I old him I will tell him when he ges older, Candance I hope you have a girl, that looks just like you, for my son in the future. Just kidding.
She looks great!
It’s about time, ESPN! A woman can be just as great an athlete as a man.
LOL@Midnite.
That is the cutest story. Your son sounds adorable! Its hard trying to explain things to children. haha. For the past year, my husband and I have been trying to explain the concept of race to our 4 year old since mommy is black and daddy is white…and both came together to make Autumn Grace. Well..At the time, her daycare was learning about the color wheel and mixing primary, secondary colors and whatnot. Lets just say for six months she went around telling everybody that she was grey!!
so happy for candace though, and ESPN switching it up
She looks beautiful.
I have been a fan of Candace since her high school days and she was dunking on folks. Became an even bigger fan when she chose college over WNBA.
I really like this girl and am VERY happy for her. I will pray that she has a safe delivery and a healthy baby.
she is pretty …that baby is going to be 7′8 though lol
@ Lauren yeah our kids are so cute at the 3-5 stage. Obama and family should be a great inspiration for your daughter. I still hope Candance has a boy.
Boy or Girl, It will be the best thing to happen to Candance even out doing basketball. Just have a healthy baby and stay cool to the fans when you get all those endorsments Candance. Keep that beautiful attitude, And don’t take no mess on the court form he haters.
She’s beautiful, congrats to her and the husband.
damn..are yall blind? her name is C-A-N-D-A-C-E not Candance!
@balla87 You spell it right, you know what we mean.
She looks beautiful! God bless her and Sheldon’s precious gift! What a positive role model for young ladies, and young men….they are married…..!
@Debra,
I couldn’t agree more!
hello candace i hope ur baby will look good as you. I know im a 12 year old girl and im not gay. Im just saying yuo are look good. And i hope you can get well enough to get back on the court, and help me learn more from you. Thanks candace your the best.
CANDACE I LUV YUH SO MUCH IM YUR BIGGEST FAN!CONGRATS TO U ND YUR HUSBAND YUR BABYS GONNA B BEAUTIFUL!