Candace Parker had an amazing 2008 on the court. She was the #1 pick in the WNBA draft, she was named Rookie of the Year and MVP, plus she won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics with the Women's basketball team. Then in November, she married Shelden Williams after a year-long engagement. Now to start off the New Year, Parker announced that she and Williams are expecting their first child.

"Shelden and I are very excited to be expanding our family," Parker told the Los Angeles Sparks website. "We feel blessed and look forward to becoming parents."

"We are happy to welcome a new addition into the Sparks family and on behalf of the entire organization we congratulate both Candace and Shelden," added Penny Toler, Los Angeles Sparks General Manager.

Parker and Williams are expecting the baby sometime this spring. The WNBA season starts in June, so she may have enough time to be ready to play some ball this summer. The Sparks say that Parker will continue to work out and prepare for the upcoming season.