5 Unforgettable Victories Of Anna Petrakova: From Russian Basketball Star To Candace Parker’s Wife

Anna Petrakova has successfully navigated one of the most remarkable transitions in sports, moving from a formidable Russian professional basketball player to a globally recognized figure as the wife of WNBA superstar Candace Parker. As of December 10, 2025, Petrakova’s story is a compelling blend of athletic excellence on the international stage and a deeply private, yet publicly celebrated, family life in the United States. Her journey, which includes representing Russia at the 2012 Olympics and winning multiple European titles, showcases a career defined by quiet dominance and a post-retirement life centered on motherhood and partnership. While many know her through her high-profile marriage, Petrakova’s own achievements on the court are substantial and deserve recognition, establishing her as a champion in her own right. This article delves into the five biggest 'victories' of her life: her impressive professional career, her celebrated relationship with Candace Parker, and her current role in building a modern, blended family.

Anna Petrakova Complete Biography and Profile

Anna "Anya" Viktorovna Petrakova-Parker is a former Russian professional basketball player whose career spanned over a decade, culminating in international recognition and multiple club championships. She is widely known for her time with elite Russian clubs and her subsequent marriage to WNBA icon Candace Parker.

• Full Name: Anna "Anya" Viktorovna Petrakova-Parker
• Date of Birth: December 4, 1984
• Place of Birth: Budapest, Hungary (While a Russian national, she was born in Budapest)
• Nationality: Russian
• Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.90 m)
• Position: Power Forward / Center
• College: University of Louisiana at Lafayette (2002–2006)
• Professional Debut: 2006 (in Russia)
• Retirement: 2017
• Spouse: Candace Parker (WNBA Legend)
• Marriage Date: December 2019 (Publicly revealed in 2021)
• Children: Son, Airr Petrakov-Parker (born February 2022); Step-daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams (from Parker's previous marriage)
• Key Clubs: Spartak Vidnoje, CSKA Moscow, Chevakata, Nur in Kazan, UMMC Ekaterinburg
• National Team: Russia women's national basketball team (2012 Summer Olympics in London)

Victory #1: Court Dominance—The EuroLeague Champion's Career

Petrakova’s professional basketball career was marked by consistent success in the highly competitive European leagues. Her journey began with a pivotal move to the United States in 2002 to play collegiate basketball at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. During her time there, she quickly established herself as a dominant force, earning the coveted Sun Belt Conference (SBC) Player of the Year award in 2004. She also became only the 10th player in school history to surpass the 1,000-point mark, finishing her collegiate career with 1,252 points.

Upon graduating, Petrakova returned to Russia to begin her professional career. She played for several elite clubs, including Nur in Kazan, Spartak Vidnoje, and CSKA Moscow. However, her most successful period came with UMMC Ekaterinburg, one of the powerhouse clubs in the world. It was with Ekaterinburg that she achieved her most significant international victories, securing the EuroLeague Women title and the EuroCup Women title, establishing herself as a champion on the European stage. Her dedication to the sport extended to the national level, where she proudly represented the Russia women's national basketball team at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

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Victory #2: A Quiet Love Story—Meeting Candace Parker at UMMC Ekaterinburg

The most public chapter of Anna Petrakova's life began on the court but developed into a private romance. Petrakova and Candace Parker first met while playing together for the Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg. Their relationship blossomed away from the public eye, a common choice for athletes navigating high-profile careers and personal lives.

The couple took a significant step in December 2019 when they tied the knot in a private, low-key ceremony. For two years, their marriage remained a personal secret, a decision that allowed them to build a strong foundation without the intense media scrutiny that often follows celebrity couples. Petrakova and Parker finally went public with their marriage in 2021, simultaneously announcing that they were expecting their first child together. The reveal was met with an outpouring of support from fans and the wider LGBTQ+ community, celebrating their love story as a beacon of modern family life.

Victory #3: Building a Blended Family—Motherhood and Partnership

Since her retirement from professional basketball in 2017, Petrakova has embraced the role of a devoted partner and mother. She and Candace Parker have actively worked to build a loving, blended family. Petrakova is a step-parent to Parker's daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, from Parker's previous marriage to former NBA player Sheldon Williams.

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In February 2022, the couple welcomed their son, Airr Petrakov-Parker, expanding their family and solidifying their bond. The family dynamic is often highlighted by Parker as one of her greatest sources of strength and happiness. Petrakova's focus has shifted from the rigorous demands of professional sports to the joys and challenges of raising children and supporting her wife's continued career, both on and off the court. Petrakova has often shared glimpses of her active lifestyle, regularly participating in other athletic activities, demonstrating that her passion for fitness remains strong even after stepping away from competition.

Victory #4: Life Beyond the Court—Anna Petrakova Today (2025 Updates)

As of late 2025, Anna Petrakova’s primary focus is her family and her role as a supportive spouse to Candace Parker, who recently retired from the WNBA in 2024. Petrakova is often seen cheering on her wife at various events, most recently being noted for her attendance and support at a major Player of the Year Award Dinner in July 2025. This public support underscores her commitment to their shared life and her pride in Parker's legacy.

Petrakova’s life post-retirement is a testament to finding fulfillment outside of professional sports. She maintains a private profile compared to her wife, but her influence and presence are undeniable. The couple’s decision to share their journey, from their secret wedding to the birth of their son, has made them influential figures in the world of sports and beyond, inspiring countless individuals with their authentic and loving partnership. Petrakova’s quiet strength and dedication are the foundation of the Parker-Petrakova family unit.

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Victory #5: Achieving Topical Authority and Legacy

Anna Petrakova’s legacy is not just defined by her individual accomplishments but by the powerful narrative she has created. She is a symbol of successful transition, moving from being a key player on teams like Spartak Vidnoje and a national team athlete for Russia, to becoming a celebrated figure in the global sports community through her marriage. Her life story seamlessly connects the competitive world of EuroLeague Women basketball with the personal journey of finding love and building a family. Her name is now a key entity in discussions about modern athletic families, LGBTQ+ representation, and the strong women behind legendary careers.

Her career entities, including the 2012 Summer Olympics, her time at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and her wins in the Russian Cup, all contribute to a rich tapestry of achievement. Petrakova’s story is a powerful reminder that true victory is found not only in championships but also in the courage to live authentically and build a life filled with love and purpose.