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The Untold Story Of Candace Parker's Wife: 7 Surprising Facts About Anna Petrakova And Their Growing Family

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Candace Parker, one of the most decorated and influential players in basketball history, has maintained a relatively private personal life despite her superstar status. However, in a surprising and emotional announcement in 2021, the WNBA legend revealed she had been secretly married for two years to her partner, Anna Petrakova, and that they were expecting their first child together. This revelation immediately turned the spotlight onto Anna Petrakova, who is a powerhouse athlete in her own right. As of December 2025, the couple continues to be a symbol of love, family, and authenticity, expanding their family and navigating life after Parker's storied WNBA retirement.

The relationship between Parker and Petrakova, which blossomed from a professional friendship on the international basketball circuit, is a modern sports love story. Their journey, marked by a private 2019 wedding and the subsequent public embrace of their family, including three children, resonates deeply with fans globally. This article dives into the essential facts about Candace Parker’s wife, Anna Petrakova, their life together, and the most recent updates on their beautiful family.

Anna Petrakova: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Anna "Anya" Viktorovna Petrakova-Parker is much more than just Candace Parker’s wife; she is a highly accomplished former professional basketball player with a distinguished career in Europe and on the international stage. Her athletic journey mirrors Parker's in dedication and success, providing a unique foundation for their bond.

  • Full Name: Anna Viktorovna Petrakova-Parker (Russian: Анна Викторовна Петракова)
  • Date of Birth: December 4, 1984
  • Place of Birth: Budapest, Hungary
  • Nationality: Russian
  • Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.90 m)
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • College: University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns)
  • Professional Career Highlights: Petrakova played for numerous elite European clubs, including multiple stints in Russia. Notably, she played for Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow, and the powerhouse club UMMC Ekaterinburg, where she first met Candace Parker.
  • International Career: She was a key member of the Russian women's national basketball team, representing Russia at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
  • Retirement: Anna Petrakova retired from professional play in 2017.

The Secret Wedding and Public Coming Out: An Authentic Love Story

The relationship between Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova was a quiet affair for years before their public announcement, a decision rooted in a desire for privacy and a gradual journey toward living authentically. Their connection began in 2012 while they were both playing for the Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason. This shared experience in professional basketball, far from the American spotlight, allowed a deep friendship to blossom into romance.

Parker proposed to Petrakova in 2019, and the couple married in a private ceremony on December 14, 2019. The wedding was an intimate event, kept secret from the public and media for two years. This period of quiet marriage allowed them to solidify their bond away from external pressures.

The world learned about their union on December 14, 2021, on their second wedding anniversary. Parker took to Instagram to announce the marriage and share the exciting news that they were expecting a baby. This public revelation served as Parker’s official coming out to the world. She later explained that her decision was heavily influenced by her eldest daughter, Lailaa Nicole. Parker felt she couldn't tell Lailaa to "be yourself" without fully living her own authentic life, a powerful testament to the importance of family and self-acceptance.

The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from the WNBA community, NBA analysts, fans, and fellow athletes, cementing their status as an influential power couple in sports.

Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova's Growing Family

The Parker-Petrakova household is a dynamic and loving blended family of five. Candace Parker is a mother to three children, with her wife Anna being the mother to the two youngest. Their commitment to family is a central theme in Parker's life, often cited as the primary motivation behind her career decisions, including her 2023 signing with the Las Vegas Aces and her eventual retirement from the WNBA.

Lailaa Nicole Parker (Eldest Daughter)

Lailaa Nicole is Candace Parker's daughter from her previous marriage to former NBA player Shelden Williams. Born on May 13, 2009, Lailaa is a constant presence in her mother’s career, often seen courtside and even participating in post-game interviews. She is credited by Parker as the inspiration for her public coming out and a key reason for her desire to live an open, honest life.

Airr Larry Petrakova Parker (First Son)

Candace and Anna welcomed their first child together, a son named Airr Larry Petrakova Parker, in February 2022. The name Airr is unique, while the middle name Larry is a touching tribute to Candace Parker's late father, Larry Parker. The arrival of Airr marked a new chapter for the couple, fully integrating their professional lives with their expanding personal world.

Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker (Second Son)

In the most recent and exciting update, the couple welcomed their second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, on May 21, 2024. The middle name Summitt holds significant meaning for Candace Parker, serving as a powerful tribute to the legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball coach, Pat Summitt, who was a profound mentor and figure in Parker's life. This choice highlights the deep connection Parker maintains to her basketball roots and the people who shaped her career.

The family often shares glimpses of their life on social media, showcasing a commitment to raising their children in a supportive and loving environment. The family's public visibility, while carefully managed, provides an inspiring example for the LGBTQ+ community and fans across the globe.

Anna Petrakova’s Role Post-Retirement and Family Life

Since retiring from professional basketball in 2017, Anna Petrakova has embraced her role as a mother and partner, supporting Candace Parker's transition from a player to a highly respected sports analyst and commentator. While Parker focuses on her broadcasting career with networks like TNT and her continued advocacy work, Petrakova manages much of their home life and the complex schedules of a multi-child, two-athlete family.

The couple's shared history as professional athletes—both having played for the same Russian team, participated in the Olympics, and understood the demands of a high-level career—provides a unique mutual understanding. This foundation of mutual respect and shared experience is often cited as the secret to their strong relationship.

Anna Petrakova and Candace Parker have successfully blended their diverse backgrounds, with Anna's Russian heritage and Candace's American roots, creating a rich cultural environment for their children. Their story is a powerful narrative about finding love in unexpected places, the courage of living authentically, and the enduring bond of a modern, multi-talented family.

candace parker wife
candace parker wife

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