New mom Candace Parker has plenty of help in L.A.

She is an NCAA national champion, an Olympic champion, an MVP and a Rookie of the Year.

Now, WNBA star Candace Parker is also a mom.

The 23-year-old Naperville native and basketball icon gave birth to her first child Wednesday in Los Angeles. Parker's daughter, whose name has yet to be released, checked in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 20 inches in length.

Parker's husband is Shelden Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"This is such a life-changing moment for us," Parker said in a statement. "We feel blessed to have a healthy and beautiful baby girl."

The former Naperville Central star will now put her career with the Los Angeles Sparks temporarily on hold as she shifts her focus from basketball to motherhood. Parker has said she wants to play at least part of the WNBA season this summer, but has not set a date for her return.

"I'm very excited to be a first-time mom," Parker told WNBA.com before the birth. "I have experienced that a little bit being an aunt and the joys that come along with that, but I hear that nothing is like holding your own baby and having your own child."

Parker has been known as the resident kid magnet, always scooping up and entertaining the children who hang around Sparks practices.

Four other L.A. players are moms: Lisa Leslie, Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Tina Thompson and Vanessa Hayden.

"I am very good with kids," Parker told WNBA.com. "Some of the people on the team have children, as well as our staff. I always have them in my arms. It'll be different because now I can't give them back." (Laughs)

Parker, however, will get plenty of good advice and support. She'll be surrounded by a "team" of experts - not to mention an old friend.

One of her newest teammates, former Neuqua Valley star Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton, a Sparks rookie from Purdue, will be on hand to help. Wisdom-Hylton was hoping to visit Parker and her baby Thursday and has offered her services as a babysitter.

"Lisa (Leslie) and Tina (Thompson) have definitely been huge inspirations for me," Parker said. "They've played at the highest level after having children and they're going to be right here on my team filled with advice and knowledge of how to balance career and family.

"I really am excited that my child will be able to share a part in my career and remember me when I played basketball."