After a standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she nearly led France to an upset over Team USA in the gold medal game, Gabby Williams has officially signed with the Seattle Storm for the remainder of the WNBA season.
Williams, a 5-foot-11 forward known for her defensive prowess and versatility, rejoins the Storm after playing with the team in 2022 and part of 2023.
Williams was instrumental in France’s run to the silver medal during the Olympics. She was named to the Olympic All-Star Five, recognizing the best five players in the tournament, and was also honored as the Best Defensive Player of the Paris Games.
Williams came within inches of forcing overtime in the gold medal game against Team USA, but her last-second shot was ruled a two-pointer, leaving France just short in a 67-66 thriller.
The former UConn standout’s impressive Olympic campaign sparked significant interest across the WNBA, with several teams attempting to recruit her.
Ultimately, the Storm secured her signature, announcing the signing on Tuesday. Williams will play with Seattle until the end of the current WNBA season.
Originally drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Williams played for the Sky until 2021 before joining the Storm.
In 2022, she was named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team and started all 36 games for Seattle that season. Although her 2023 season was cut short, she made a strong impression in her return to France’s national team.
At the Paris Olympics, Williams averaged 14.8 points on 49.2% shooting, along with 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.8 steals per game.
Her all-around play, particularly in the gold medal matchup against the United States, reaffirmed her status as one of the top defenders in women’s basketball.
Williams’ return to the WNBA adds a key defensive presence to the Storm as they make a late push in the league. Her ability to impact both ends of the floor will be crucial for Seattle as they look to regain their competitive edge in the postseason.
