On Thursday, May 9, 2024, Las Vegas Aces, the 2024, the WNBA champions were invited to the White House to celebrate their back-to-back championships with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the First Lady. The entire Las Vegas Aces team, including players, coaches, and staff. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and First Lady Jill Biden were present.
Candace Parker wasn’t present at the Las Vegas Aces’ recent White House visit to celebrate their championship win. Parker played for the Aces in 2023.
“While she couldn’t be here,” Biden said referring to the WNBA legend. “I want to acknowledge someone who we consider one of the greatest all-time coaches — Candace Parker.”
BLUNDER!
Note: Candace Parker has been a phenomenal WNBA player, but coaching has never been part of her professional career so far. Parker who played for 16 seasons in the WNBA retired from playing for the Aces in April 2024.
Besides, President Biden and Vice President Harris congratulated the entire Aces organization, including players, coaches, and staff, for their consecutive wins.
Biden also acknowledged the rising popularity of women’s basketball and praised the Aces for their contribution to the sport. There was even a mention of standout players like A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray. A fun fact – both Wilson and Gray presented the President and Vice President with personalized jerseys!
Coming to the Las Vegas Aces, the team is on a roll! They didn’t just win one championship, they achieved a historic feat by winning back-to-back championships.
2022 WNBA Championship: This was the franchise’s first championship and the first professional sports championship for Las Vegas itself. They defeated the Connecticut Sun in 4 games during the finals. Becky Hammon, the head coach, was named Coach of the Year for her stellar performance.
2023 WNBA Championship: The Aces secured their place as WNBA champions once again by beating the New York Liberty in a nail-biting Game 4 with a final score of 70-69. This victory made them the first team to win consecutive championships since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2000-2001. A’ja Wilson, a star player for the Aces, shone throughout the season and playoffs. Candace Parker who won championships with other teams (2016 with the Los Angeles Sparks and 2012 with the Chicago Sky), joined the Aces for the 2023 season but unfortunately missed the playoffs due to injury.
