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Chicago Sky Coach Had Strong Words for Candace Parker Ahead of Jersey Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi M. Dombro | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 3:58 PM ET

The Chicago Sky hired head coach Tyler Marsh ahead of the 2025 WNBA season. The team owns a 4-11 record heading into Sunday's matchup against the 5-11 Los Angeles Sparks.

After various coaching stops at the collegiate level, as well as the NBA and the G-League, Marsh started his WNBA coaching career as an assistant for the Las Vegas Aces. There, he won two WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.

Marsh coached players like three-time MVP A'ja Wilson and All-WNBA guard Kelsey Plum in Las Vegas. He also had the privilege of coaching the legendary Candace Parker as well in her final professional season with the Aces.

On Sunday, the Sparks will host the Sky at Crypto.com Arena. Before the contest, Los Angeles will be retiring Parker's No. 3 jersey after her highly successful 13-year stint with the team.

Ahead of the game, Marsh spoke to the media about Parker. He had strong words for his former player ahead of her jersey retirement.

"It's hard to tell the story of women's basketball without Candace Parker," Marsh said. "She's changed the game and inspired so many, not just women, but men as well. Coaches, players and anyone that's been associated with the sport. She's made a lasting impact."

"It's hard to tell the story of women's basketball without Candace Parker."

Tyler Marsh shared in pregame that Candace Parker also had an influence on him taking the head coach position for the Chicago Sky. pic.twitter.com/imafIalQ90
— Courtside with Karli Bell (@CourtsideKB) June 29, 2025

All told, Parker played 16 WNBA seasons and won three championships, as well as two MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year award, 10 All-WNBA honors and made seven All-Star appearances.

She also played two seasons with the Chicago Sky in 2021 and 2022, helping the franchise win its lone championship. Under Marsh and the Aces staff, she averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest in her final WNBA campaign.

Sunday's matchup is scheduled to tip off at 4:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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