According to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker will be named the WNBA's 2008 MVP on October 3, 2008. Parker, who was also selected as the WNBA's Rookie of the Year, is the first WNBA player to win both awards in the same season.Los Angeles Times: Sparks' Candace Parker will be named WNBA MVP

In addition to becoming the first to win the MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same year, Parker was set to become the first female basketball player to win a college championship, an Olympic gold medal and a professional championship in the same year. Parker completed two of the the three when she led the University of Tennessee Lady Vols to the NCAA title and helped the U.S. Women's Team win gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Her triple crown hopes were smashed however as the Los Angeles Sparks fell to the San Antonio Silver Stars in the second round of the WNBA Playoffs.The New York Times: Playoffs Open With Parker Chasing a Triple Crown