Candace Parker Hopes Her SKIMS Modeling Debut Spotlights What Else 'Female Athletes Can Do' (Exclusive)

"It's super powerful to love your body," the former WNBA forward tells PEOPLE as she opens up about starring in SKIMS' Fits Everybody underwear campaign

In October 2023, Kim Kardashian's SKIMS' became the official underwear sponsor of USA Basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). All in all, a baller business move.

Now, the brand's latest Fits Everybody underwear campaign shines a light on WNBA icons — Candace Parker, Cameron Brink, Dijonai Carrington, Kelsey Plum and Skylar Diggins-Smith — with expertly crafted and tailored pieces that will make everyone feel like a winner.

Parker, 38, a three-time WNBA champion who knows a thing or two about confidence on the court (her nickname is “Ace” for a reason), speaks to PEOPLE exclusively about making her SKIMS debut — and how she’s challenging the status quo with the modeling moment.

“It’s super cool that SKIMS is for all shapes, sizes and heights,” the TNT Sports commentator says of the collection, which features undergarments and loungewear in sizes XXS-4X.

“As athletes, for so long it's [been about] going through a period of time where it's like, ‘Are you too muscular? Are you too tall? Are you too skinny?’ So I think it's important to show, especially now that I have a daughter, that it's super powerful to love your body." Parker is mom to 14-year-old Lailaa.

Related: Kim Kardashian's SKIMS Becomes the Official Underwear Partner of the NBA and WNBA: 'Incredibly Proud'

It’s not everyday one gets called to model in a SKIMS campaign and it was a “cool” gig for Parker “especially at this stage in my career,” she says. Parker announced her "bittersweet" retirement from the WNBA after 16 seasons with the league on Instagram April 28.

While she’s played in front of a crowd, she admits, "There’s a difference in preparing for something when you're going to be wearing underwear.”

“You feel nerves when you're doing something that's outside of the realm in which you normally do things. Yeah, you're uncomfortable, but that's how you continue to grow and continue to expand what female athletes can do.”

Parker grew more at ease in front of the cameras as time went on. “The energy on set was great, the direction was unbelievable and all of us understand how cool it is,” she tells PEOPLE.

Plus, wearing some of the most comfortable apparel out there (the brand is known for its buttery soft material) was a bonus.

In the photos, captured by Hugh Wilson, Parker models pieces from the Fits Everybody collection, including  the briefs, the contouring Long Sleeve T-Shirt and the classic bandeau, which lifts and supports.

Related: WNBA Star Candace Parker Announces She’s Retiring: ‘It’s Time’

The looks are not unlike the ones Parker wears on a daily basis. “I go for looks that are comfortable all the time. That’s definitely my vibe.”

From time to time though, she likes to switch up her wardrobe. “I would say 'versatility' is my word that I use in business, on the court, off the court, in fashion. It's funny because I commentate, and you'll see me in a suit with a tie, and then you'll see me in a dress with sneakers. So, I like to be versatile. Same on the court, I can play different positions and pass and shoot and score.” She also credits Lailaa for keeping her “young” in the style department.

But she always keeps her true self front and center. “I really kind of pride myself in being who I am and being authentic in whatever space I'm in,” she says.

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Now that she’s conquered her first SKIMS campaign, Parker hopes that SKIMS’ initiative with the WNBA opens up a new conversation around women in sports.

Her advice to young athletes: “Ask why?”

“There's a number of times where women athletes weren't allowed in certain spaces. So create that room, create that seat at the table," she says. "When I came into the league, these partnerships, these opportunities weren't there. To see where it is for the future, it's super special, but I don't think we can be satisfied with where we're at now. We have to continue to push the needle forward and that starts with women having seats at the table, it starts with asking questions, asking why — demanding sometimes. There's power in that.”

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Read the original article on People.