LOS ANGELES, CA – April 26, 2018 — The Los Angeles Sparks today announced their training camp roster, one month ahead of their home opener against the Phoenix Mercury on May 27th at the Staples Center. Led by Head Coach Brian Agler, the LA Sparks will feature the return of 2017 Best WNBA Player ESPY Award Winner Candace Parker and 2017 AP Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard.
Fans can get their first glimpse of the LA Sparks when they take on the Chinese National Team at 2:00 PM PT on Saturday, May 12th in preseason action at the Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on the campus of Pasadena City College in Pasadena, CA.
Parker and Beard are joined by returning veterans Essence Carson, Sydney Wiese and Odyssey Sims. Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler added to the core five during the offseason, signing two-time Championship guard Cappie Pondexter via free agency.
Joining them in training camp will be 2018 second-round pick Shakayla Thomas (Florida State) who is one of six rookies that will be entering their first WNBA training camp. In addition to the rookies, veteran Misti Bass and Karlie Samuelson will be returning to the Sparks training camp after injury prevented her from possible making the team in 2017.
Due to professional basketball commitments overseas, Chelsea Gray, Jantel Lavender, Nneka Ogwumike, Maria Vadeeva, Riquna Williams, Jolene Anderson and Ana Dabovic will join the team later in training camp.
Members of media are welcome to attend training camp at the Galen Center located at 3400 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90089 during the final half-hour of each practice (12:30 – 1:00 PM), with coach and player interview availability occurring at 1:00 PM.
Media planning to attend a practice are required to email the Sparks at pr@la-sparks.com ahead of time to gain entry.
The Los Angeles Sparks, presented by EquiTrust, will tip-off the 2018 season at Staples Center on May 27th vs. Phoenix Mercury and the next home game on June 3rd vs. defending WNBA Champions Minnesota Lynx. Please visit LASPARKS.com or call 1-844-GO-SPARKS to Purchase 2018 Season Tickets Today!