Women's Health April 4, 2026 0 Comments

The Shocking March Madness Moment That Changed Candace Parker’s Game—and Life Forever!

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to turn a game-changing athletic career into something even bigger—like becoming the trusted voice narrating the madness we all can’t get enough of every spring? Candace Parker isn’t just a legend on the WNBA hardwood—she once dominated the NCAA courts, leading the Tennessee Lady Vols to back-to-back national titles and making history as the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game. Now, with March Madness buzzing around us like caffeine-fueled nerves before a big workout, Candace is front and center again—but this time, calling the shots as a TNT analyst. What’s it like swapping sneakers for a microphone? And how do those intense college basketball lessons shape her life and perspective today? If you’ve ever felt the exhilarating mix of pressure and passion that March brings, her story might just inspire you to lean into your own game—whatever that may be. Ready to dive into the heart of the tournament through her eyes? LEARN MORE.

3 min read

Candace Parker is considered one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. But she originally made a splash on the national stage while leading the Tennessee Lady Vols to two back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008, earning her the title of National Player of the Year. She also became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, before going on to make a huge impression in the pros and the Olympics. This year, she’ll be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

These days, Candace is an analyst and commentator for TNT Sports and, naturally, she’s covering March Madness. While Candace tells Women’s Health that she’s excited about the tournament, period, her love for Tennessee basketball runs deep. In a new AT&T spot, she can be seen in Tennessee gear tossing popcorn to try to distract an opposing team’s free throw shooter.

While the Lady Vols didn’t make the Final Four, Candace is still dialed in to the action. Here’s what she shared about coming back to the tournament in a different role, plus how she uses her own college basketball experience in her life today.

What She Loves About the NCAA Tournament

“March Madness is literally the best time of the year. I remember as a player, just the excitement. Any time in March, obviously, you want to be the one playing in April.

Being part of it from a player standpoint and now as a broadcaster, and seeing the overall excitement of [how] you don’t know what you don’t know. I just love enjoying it as an analyst and fan.”

On March Madness Nostalgia

“It brings back [memories of] wanting something, preparing for something. You start workouts a year in advance. The memories it brings back are just how hard you had to work and how slim the margin of error there is in basketball.

You never forget the moment when you decided to get up when everybody was tired, or the bad road trip, or the [team] dinners…things like that. I really reflect on it.”

“In college, every play really matters.”

On Learning to Keep Her Cool Under Pressure

“The biggest thing I learned from [March Madness] is the butterflies you get when you know you’re not ready for the test, but the confidence you have when you know you studied. You’re leaning on your preparation.

Obviously, everybody wants to win. But have you prepared for it? Those are the times when I feel the most at ease. The thing about college that’s different from the pros is in the pros, you have another shot at it. In the WNBA, it’s a ‘best of’ series. In college, every play really matters.”

The Best Tournament Advice She Got from Coach Pat Summitt

“She would always emphasize rebounding, because it’s one thing you can control. In difficult scenarios, you try to control the things you can control and not worry about the things you can’t control.

A lot of times, it was my rebounding. That applies in life as well—rebounding, bouncing back, and your work ethic.”

On Life Lessons Learned from Basketball

“For me, it’s about understanding that it is a process, that you have to do a lot of listening. Don’t cannonball in when it’s something new. You’ve got to kind of get in, understand, listen, figure out who your mentors are. That’s how I’ve approached broadcasting and business.”

Why She’s More Nervous as a Fan

“I feel more calm when I’m playing and when you have the ability to control the outcome. Obviously, Tennessee got blown out, so there were no nerves in that game. But, as a fan, I realize that not having control is one of the most difficult things.

I’m a fanatic. I’m unreasonable. But I cheer hard and I understand the loyalty of it. It’s harder to be a fan, to be honest. Regardless of how you’re a part of [March Madness], it’s a special time.”

Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.