Candace Parker, a true basketball icon, found her life partner in Anna Petrakova, and their beautiful wedding took place in December of 2019. It's almost like their paths were meant to cross, isn't it? This special moment marked a new chapter for the WNBA legend, bringing together two remarkable individuals who shared a deep love for the game and, as it turned out, for each other. Their connection, really, goes back a good bit further than their wedding day.

For fans curious about Candace Parker's life beyond the court, learning about her wife, Anna Petrakova, offers a wonderful glimpse into the personal world of this celebrated athlete. Anna, a former professional basketball player herself, shares a unique bond with Candace, built on mutual respect and shared experiences in the demanding world of professional sports. You know, it's pretty special when two people from the same field find such a strong connection.

This piece will tell you everything you might want to know about Candace Parker's wife, Anna Petrakova, from how they met to their growing family. We'll explore their journey together, giving you a picture of their life away from the bright lights of the basketball arena. So, let's take a closer look at this important part of Candace Parker's world.

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Table of Contents

• Who is Anna Petrakova?
  • A Shared Path on the Court
  • Building a Family Together
• Their Journey of Love and Partnership
  • Meeting Overseas
  • A Private Union
• Growing Their "Starting Lineup"
  • Welcoming Their Children
  • Life After the Game
• Anna Petrakova: Personal Details and Career Highlights
• Frequently Asked Questions About Candace Parker's Wife

Who is Anna Petrakova?

Anna Petrakova, also known as Anna "Anya" Viktorovna Petrakova-Parker, is the beloved wife of WNBA legend Candace Parker. She's a former professional basketball player from Russia, which, you know, makes their connection to the sport even more interesting. She actually played for the Russian women's basketball team during her career.

Anna's background in basketball means she truly understands the demanding life of a professional athlete. This shared experience, in a way, really forms a strong foundation for their relationship. Her own career saw her playing in the Russian league since 2011, making a name for herself before stepping away from the professional game.

A Shared Path on the Court

It's quite something when two people who have spent their lives on the basketball court find each other. Anna Petrakova's professional journey as a basketball player, particularly her time playing overseas, is a significant part of her story. She was a key player for the Russian women's basketball team, and her career spanned many years, giving her a deep insight into the sport that Candace Parker, of course, also knows so well.

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This common ground, you might say, probably helped them connect on a really deep level. They both understand the highs and lows, the hard work, and the dedication it takes to succeed in professional basketball. So, it's not just about love; it's about a shared history and understanding that few outside their world could truly grasp. Her experiences playing in Russia, too, were a big part of her professional life.

Building a Family Together

Beyond their individual basketball careers, Anna Petrakova and Candace Parker have built a beautiful family. They share two children together, a son named Airr, and more recently, another son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov. Candace also has a daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, from her previous marriage to former NBA player Shelden Williams. This means their home is, in a way, a busy and happy place with three children.

Their family life seems to be a central part of their world now, especially since Candace Parker retired from the WNBA in 2023. You can just tell, they are really focused on raising their children and enjoying this new chapter. The arrival of their sons has, apparently, completed their "starting lineup," as they've shared with the world.

Their Journey of Love and Partnership

The story of Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova's relationship is a lovely one, showing how a professional connection can grow into something much deeper. Their path to marriage and family began years before they exchanged vows, starting on the basketball court far from home. It's really quite a sweet story, when you think about it.

They have, in a way, grown their relationship over time, building a strong bond that has clearly stood the test of time. Their partnership is a testament to finding love in unexpected places and nurturing it through shared experiences and personal growth. You know, sometimes the best connections start in surprising ways.

Meeting Overseas

Candace Parker met her wife, Anna Petrakova, back in 2012. This happened while Candace was playing overseas during the WNBA offseason, which is a pretty common thing for many American basketball players. They were both playing for a team called UMMC Ekaterinburg, which is a well-known club in Russia. It's pretty cool how their paths crossed so far from their usual homes.

While playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg, the two formed a close friendship. This friendship, you see, was the foundation for their future relationship. Spending time together in a foreign country, sharing the challenges and triumphs of professional basketball, helped them build a deep connection. That, in itself, is a truly special way to start a relationship, don't you think?

A Private Union

Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova chose to wed in December 2019. This was a private ceremony, as is often the case with public figures who prefer to keep their personal lives, you know, a bit more to themselves. The couple has been married since that time, building their life together quietly and meaningfully.

Their marriage, while private, has been a source of much happiness for them both. It's clear they value their privacy while also sharing glimpses of their family life with fans. This balance, you could say, allows them to enjoy their personal moments while still connecting with those who admire them. It's a rather thoughtful way to manage things.

Growing Their "Starting Lineup"

Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova have openly shared their joy about expanding their family, often referring to their growing number of children as completing their "starting lineup." This playful term, of course, comes from their shared basketball background and really captures their happiness. It's quite a sweet way to put it, isn't it?

Their journey into parenthood together has added a wonderful new dimension to their lives. They are raising their children with care and love, making sure each child feels like a cherished part of their family unit. This focus on family, you might say, is a big part of their life now that Candace has stepped away from playing professionally.

Welcoming Their Children

Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova welcomed their first child together, a son named Airr. The news of Airr's arrival was met with much excitement by their fans. Then, more recently, the couple announced the birth of their second child together, another son named Hartt Summitt Petrakov. Hartt was born in May 2024, and the couple shared the exciting news via a joint Instagram post on Monday, June 10, 2024. That, you know, was a really happy announcement.

The arrival of Hartt means that Candace Parker is now a mother of three. Besides Airr and Hartt, she also has her daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, from her earlier marriage to Shelden Williams. So, their home is truly full of life and laughter with three children. Candace has even given an inside look at her baby boy's nursery, working with a brand on the design, which is pretty neat.

Life After the Game

Candace Parker, a legendary figure in women's basketball, hung up her sneakers in 2023, marking the end of an illustrious WNBA career. Now, she embarks on a new journey, one that seems to involve even more focus on her family. This shift, you could say, is a natural progression for many athletes as they transition from their playing days.

Anna Petrakova, as a retired basketball player herself, likely understands this transition better than most. Their shared experiences in the sport, and now their shared experience of raising a family, create a truly strong partnership. It's clear that their life together, with their children, is a central and joyful part of this new chapter for Candace. For instance, on June 29, 2025, a team hosted a special halftime event, which might be a way to honor Candace's career or her family, though the details are not fully clear.

Anna Petrakova: Personal Details and Career Highlights

Anna "Anya" Viktorovna Petrakova-Parker, Candace Parker's wife, has a notable background in basketball herself. Born on December 4, 1984, in Russia, she dedicated many years to the sport. Her career highlights include playing for the Russian women's basketball team, showcasing her skills on an international level. She has been playing in the Russian league since the beginning of her career in 2011, which, you know, is quite a long time.

Here's a quick look at some personal details about Anna Petrakova:

Her career in basketball, you see, was quite substantial before she retired. This shared professional history with Candace Parker truly adds a unique layer to their connection, giving them both a deep understanding of the world they once dominated. You can learn more about Candace Parker's career and personal life on our site, and also find details about other sports legends.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candace Parker's Wife

People often have questions about public figures and their families, and Candace Parker's wife, Anna Petrakova, is no exception. Here are some common questions folks ask, with answers based on what we know.

1. When did Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova get married?

Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova exchanged vows and wed in December 2019. This marked a significant step in their relationship, formalizing their partnership after years of friendship and connection. It was, apparently, a private ceremony, which makes sense for them.

2. How many children do Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova have together?

Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova have two children together, both sons. Their first son is named Airr, and their second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov, was born in May 2024. Candace also has a daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, from her previous marriage, so she is a mother of three in total. So, their family is quite full.

3. What does Candace Parker's wife, Anna Petrakova, do?

Anna Petrakova is a former professional basketball player from Russia. She played for the Russian women's basketball team and had a career playing in the Russian league since 2011. She is now retired from professional basketball, focusing on her family life with Candace Parker and their children. You know, it's a pretty big change from being on the court all the time.