ESPN REPORT: Candace Parker Crowned the Greatest of All Time in Women’s College Basketball
In a groundbreaking announcement that has ignited passionate discussions across the sports world, ESPN has officially named Candace Parker as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in women’s college basketball, edging out a field of iconic legends that includes UConn’s Diana Taurasi, USC’s Cheryl Miller, and Kentucky’s Lynette Woodard.
The decision, part of ESPN’s special retrospective on the evolution of women’s college basketball, marks a historic recognition of Parker’s lasting impact on the game—both statistically and culturally.
Beating the Best of the Best
The GOAT shortlist was stacked with greatness:
•Diana Taurasi, the fierce competitor who led the University of Connecticut to three straight national championships and earned the nickname “White Mamba” for her killer instinct.
•Cheryl Miller, a revolutionary force at USC in the 1980s, widely credited for helping bring national attention to women’s hoops with her sheer dominance and charisma.
•Lynette Woodard, the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball history and the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters, who blazed a trail for generations to come.
Yet, after extensive analysis of on-court achievements, individual impact, and legacy, it was Candace Parker who rose above them all.
A Tennessee Legend
Parker played for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers from 2005 to 2008 under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. Her college résumé speaks for itself:
•Two-time NCAA Champion (2007, 2008)
•Two-time Final Four Most Outstanding Player
•Naismith and Wooden Award Winner
•First woman to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game
•112-10 overall team record during her time at Tennessee
But beyond the numbers, Parker redefined what it meant to be a dominant post player with guard skills—able to dunk, defend, pass, and lead. Her versatility, poise, and leadership made her one of the most complete players the women’s game
