Candace Parker is expecting her first child this spring, and the WNBA star will keep working out leading to the 2009 season.

The announcement was made Wednesday by the University of Tennessee, where Parker starred before going on to the Los Angeles Sparks. Her husband is Shelden Williams of the Sacramento Kings.

In 2008, Parker was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year and MVP honors. She also won an Olympic gold medal and was the AP’s female athlete of the year.

Parker’s coach at Tennessee, Pat Summitt, and Sparks general manager Penny Toler congratulated Parker. Summitt told Parker that if she has a girl, she hopes she’ll be a future Lady Vol.

Candace Parker also made the list for our Top 10 Athletes of 2008

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