As I have said, I live about less than 2 miles from Naperville. I live about 5 miles from the high school she attended. My Official's Association Banquet was Friday Night and her coach was a speaker at the banquet. Our association always invites Chicago area State Champions Coaches to our Banquet, just to get their perspective on their accomplishment and usually they make commments about officiating and the job that we do, which is very positive of course.
He told this story about something that happen at the McDonald's All-American Dunk Contest. He said that Barry Sanders was trying to get her autograph and some dope (my words not his) stopped Barry, not knowing who he was and said, "Ms Parker has to go." So someone from McDonald's did not realize that one of the histories most successful NFL players was trying to get Candance's autograph.
But from all accounts, Candance is very down to earth. She does not seek attention or publicity. In that same Association, we have an official whose daughter has known Candance from when they were little. His daughter is also a D1 player going to the University of Iowa, but lives in a adjacent community to Naperville. The two girls have played on the same AAU team for years and are very close. I have been hearing stories from about Candance from this parent for years. And it appears that this child is every bit the good and respectful young adult.
So we can talk about how great a player she is or is going to be, I just wish the best for here because he has been raised the right way.
ONE MORE STORY!!!
I almost forgot what her coach told this story.
Candance has officiated some in her lifetime. Not sure what level this was, but something during the summer or spring. Candance calls a foul (she was doing some boy's game) and one of the players did not like the call she made. Then this player said to her, "you should stick to playing." Just shows not matter what we have done, we still get the same respect.
Peace