In her new memoir The Can-Do Mindset, Parker, 39, reflects on how her heart shifted when she met Petrakova, 40, during the 2012 London Olympics. Representing the U.S. and Russia respectively, the two crossed paths while competing. Shortly after winning gold with Team USA, Parker joined Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason—where her connection with Petrakova began to grow.
Though Parker was married to former NBA player Shelden Williams at the time, she recalls something shifting within her during her time in Russia. "My heart started beating a different way," she writes, describing a slow realization rather than a movie-like moment. "There wasn't a scene in the rain where we kissed. It was gradual. Little things over time made me realize I didn't want to live without her."
The three-time WNBA champion says she was immediately drawn to Petrakova's intellect and curiosity. "She's so intelligent and always asks the most thought-provoking questions. She knows the most random facts," Parker says, recalling walks through Russian museums where their bond quietly deepened—even before she allowed herself to consider the possibility of loving a woman.
Parker married Petrakova in December 2019. Reflecting on their journey, she says, "I always imagined myself ending up with a Prince Charming. And she did too. But sometimes what you need doesn't come in the package you expected."
Her memoir also explores Parker's personal journey with identity, vulnerability, and choosing authenticity—even when it's hard. "Relationships are a touchy subject," she admits, "but I'm proud I leaned into that and allowed myself to be real."
One moment that stands out for her happened during a Q&A after her documentary aired at NBA All-Star weekend. Two women approached her, with one saying, "I just want to introduce my girlfriend to you because I don't get to introduce her to many people." The memory still moves Parker.
"That's why we went public—so others can feel seen," she says. Her memoir captures not just a storied career, but a journey to self-love and honest connection.
