Gabby Williams, a prominent figure in women's basketball and former star at the University of Connecticut, has been named captain of the French national team as they prepare for the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. This prestigious tournament is set to take place in Germany, and Williams' leadership will be pivotal as France aims to challenge the dominance of the United States.
Williams received the captaincy on Tuesday, marking an important milestone as she gears up for her 56th international appearance against Hungary this Friday. Her appointment is particularly noteworthy as she becomes the first active player from the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to lead France at a major international competition since 2014, showcasing her significant role in the team.
The forward, who currently plays for the Golden State Valkyries, takes over the captaincy from Valériane Ayayi, who has returned to the WNBA after a decade-long career in Europe. Previously, Sarah Michel captained the French squad during the 2022 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, but she has since retired from international play. Williams' leadership is expected to bring fresh energy and experience to a talented roster.
Born in Nevada to a French mother, Thérèse, Williams has deep connections to France, having grown up speaking French. Her athletic prowess was evident early on, as she excelled in both basketball and track, even competing in the Olympic trials in 2012. She chose to attend UConn over other prestigious programs, where she made her mark by achieving one of only five triple-doubles in the school's history. During her time there, she helped secure two national championships and earned two second-team All-America selections.
After being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Williams faced challenges in her early professional career, playing in just 147 games over her first seven seasons. A significant moment came when she opted to commit to the French national team, resulting in a suspension for the entire 2021 season with the Chicago Sky. However, in recent years, she has flourished, currently averaging a career-high 14.3 points per game for the 29-11 Golden State Valkyries, highlighting her development into an All-Star caliber player.
Williams is part of a strong contingent of eight WNBA players representing France in the World Cup, including notable talents like Dominique Malonga, Marine Johannes, and Pauline Astier. This formidable lineup positions France as a serious contender to challenge the United States, who are seeking their fifth consecutive World Cup title. France narrowly missed an upset against the U.S. during the 2024 Paris Olympics, losing by just one point, and they are eager to make a statement in this tournament.
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