UT's Parker named to Kodak team

Candace Parker joined Tennessee's wall of fame Saturday, becoming the 19th Lady Vol to be named to the Kodak All-America team.

Tennessee's redshirt freshman forward already had an appreciation for the honor. It's been a part of her daily routine during women's basketball season.

"Every time I walk into our locker room at the arena, I pass by all of the Kodak All-America posters - players like Holly Warlick, Cindy Brogdon, Bridgette Gordon and the Three Meeks,'' Parker said. "It will be a tremendous honor for me to join such a prestigious group of Lady Vols."

Parker's joined two of the Meeks, Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings, in making the 10-player team as a freshman. The only other rookie honoree this season was Oklahoma center Courtney Paris.

"I think any time a freshman makes the Kodak team, it's very significant,'' UT coach Pat Summitt said. "With all the great players out there, many of them are upperclassmen.

"If you're a freshman and you make it, it doesn't happen that often.''

In a prepared statement, Summitt said that Parker, "has demonstrated this entire season that she may be the best player in the women's collegiate game."

The honor was part of big weekend in Boston for the 6-foot-5 Parker. She was added to the USA senior national team roster and began practicing with the team in preparation for the Opals World Challenge, April 7-12 in Australia.