Candace Parker Reveals the Advice She’d Give to Younger Generations About Failure (Exclusive)

Former WNBA star Candace Parker revealed a message she wants to pass on to younger generations.

Parker, 39, spoke to PEOPLE exclusively while attending the Boys & Girls Club of America National Youth of the Year Ceremony in Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 18. During the conversation, PEOPLE asked the two-time Olympic gold medalist to share her biggest piece of advice for young people.

“I would say don’t be afraid to fail,” Parker says, “A lot of people are hesitant, and I think through that, your mind can sometimes hold you back and make you kind of doubt your journey. But I think it’s just trusting it and understanding that even when you fail, you’re in the right position.”

She adds, “It’s continuing to understand that you’re right where you need to be. You put in the work, and you just trust the process.”

The athlete also shared that she takes heart in their passion.

“The next generation truly inspires me because I feel like they have so much hope and just so much fire, and you realize that we’re in good hands with the next generation,” she explains.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The mom of three went on to say that it meant “a lot” to her to attend the Boys & Girls Club event.

“Just meeting the future leaders of tomorrow — I think it just speaks to how all of us are able to continue to uplift and empower our communities. Everyone needs someone, so it’s amazing to see everyone show up and be present here,” she says.

Parker touched on these themes more extensively in her recent memoir, The Can-Do Mindset, which was released in June.

“In this book, I share stories from my own life on and off the court that made me who I am. I hope these stories will inspire you to break the boundaries around you and create your own success,” she shared in a January Instagram post announcing the book. 

Parker — who is one of the most celebrated women’s basketball players of all time — shared that she was given the nickname “Can-Do” at an “early age.”

“It’s become a mindset that’s served me through so many life phases, anchoring me through choppy waters,” she added in her post.