The former NBA player and Duke Blue Devils standout is best known today not for his slam dunks but for the unconditional love he shows his daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams.
Even after his divorce from WNBA legend Candace Parker in 2016, Shelden has remained a hands-on father, co-parenting with grace and dedication.
Together, they’re raising a talented teenager already following in her parents’ athletic footsteps.
Shelden and Candace’s story begins long before Lailaa enters the picture.
The couple got married in 2008, merging their lives as professional athletes with ambitious aspirations.
Shelden, who played seven seasons in the NBA after a star college career at Duke, and Candace, a WNBA superstar, seemed like a perfect match.
A year later, on May 13, 2009, their daughter Lailaa was born, bringing joy to their busy lives.
Unfortunately, Shelden And Candace’s Marriage Wasn’t Meant To Last.
After separating in August 2016, they finalized their divorce later that year, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
The split could have torn their family apart, but instead, it showcased their dedication to putting Lailaa first.
As part of the settlement, Candace paid Shelden a lump sum of $400,000 in alimony.
They decided to share joint custody of Lailaa, with neither parent paying child support, reflecting their mutual respect and commitment to co-parenting.
Today, they’ve both moved forward in their personal lives while keeping Lailaa at the center of their world.
Candace has since remarried, tying the knot with Anna Petrakova.
The couple welcomed two sons, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker and Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, expanding their family.
Shelden, on the other hand, appears to be single.
He pours his energy into his daughter and savors the moments they share. For him, fatherhood isn’t just a duty, it’s a delight.
Now 15 Years Old, Lailaa Is Creating Her Own Path, And It’s No Surprise That She Inherited Her Parents’ Athletic Genes
A Campbell Hall High School sophomore, she’s already making waves as a basketball and volleyball player.
She suits up for the club team Lava Shack 15 Molten, showing the same drive and passion that made her mom and dad’s family names.
With a graduation date set for 2027, Lailaa has a bright future ahead, and both Shelden and Candace are her biggest cheerleaders.
Whether she’s spiking a volleyball or sinking a jump shot, they support her every step of the way.
If you look at Shelden’s social media, you’ll see a dad who adores his little girl.
From birthday celebrations to TikTok dance videos, their bond is undeniable.
On Lailaa’s 9th birthday, Shelden penned a heartfelt Instagram tribute that melted hearts everywhere.
“While you were in your mom’s womb, I used to sing to you (probably why you can’t sing today lol) and play music for you. The moment you were born, I wouldn’t leave your side. I couldn’t believe that I was a father and how fast you captured my heart!!!I want you to know that your Dad is crazy about you!!!!! You are smart, hardworking, funny and beautiful both inside and out.”
Via Instagram
That promise shines through in everything they do together.
Shelden is the dad who’s at her games, cheering the loudest. He sends her gifts, captures silly moments on camera, and shares their adventures with the world.
In an interview, he opened up about how fatherhood transformed him.
“Being a father just changes you,” he said.
“Being a father just changes you. Before we had a daughter, I would never carry my wife’s purse, but magically one day I was carrying Lailaa’s purse. I don’t know what happened. Now I’m the one playing dress up or tea party”
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He even plays hide-and-seek over Skype, laughing about how she’d “hide” behind the couch with her legs sticking out.
Shelden’s dedication stands out even more when you hear him talk about the time he gets with Lailaa.
Living apart from Lailaa for periods only makes him cherish their time together more. Every hug, laugh, and “Daddy, Daddy” when he walks through the door is precious to him.
Candace agrees that Shelden’s a rockstar dad. “He is a great father, very hands-on, and she is in love with him,” she once said.
Their co-parenting dynamic isn’t just functional; it’s thriving. They’ve set aside any past differences to give Lailaa a stable, loving upbringing, proving that a marriage certificate doesn’t define a family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lailaa Williams is already 6 feet 1 inch tall.
- Shelden established the Shelden Williams Foundation in 2019 to support student athletes and their families in health and education.
- Candace Parker was named president of Adidas women’s basketball.
