Candace Parker Finds Love in Unexpected Way with Wife Anya Petrakova

Published: June 11, 2025

Candace Parker, the retired WNBA star, has opened up about her journey of self-discovery and finding love in an unexpected way with her wife Anya Petrakova. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Parker shared how she realized she didn't want to live without Petrakova, and how their relationship made her heart beat "a different way."

Parker, 39, met Petrakova, a Russian basketball player, when they represented their respective countries at the 2012 London Olympics. Parker was married to former NBA player Shelden Williams at the time, but she says her heart started beating "a different way" when she met Petrakova.

The realization came gradually over time, rather than in a grand, romantic moment. "It was kind of gradual over time," Parker said. "There wasn't any really moment where it was like we're in the rain and we kiss and all that stuff. No, it was more just little things over time that made me realize I didn't want to live without her and she's my best friend."

Parker, who married Petrakova in December 2019, said that she always imagined herself with a "Prince Charming" type, but Petrakova changed her perspective. "I think the realization that I always imagined myself being with a Prince Charming over, and over, and over, and for her too, then now to realize sometimes what you need doesn't come in the box that you expect it to," Parker said.

Parker and Petrakova have two children together and are proud to be public about their relationship, which is why they felt it was important to share their story with the world. "That's the very reason why we felt like we had to take the step to be public with our relationship," Parker said.

Recently, Parker shared a touching moment with fans in Indianapolis, where two women approached her and introduced their girlfriend, saying they didn't often get to introduce their partner to many people. The memory still brings her to tears.