Gabby Williams, the Golden State Valkyries star, just got named captain of the French national squad, and let me tell you, this isn’t just a ceremonial title. France is rolling into the FIBA Women’s World Cup this month with one goal: finally knocking off the United States, and Williams is leading the charge. This is huge, not just for France, but for anyone who loves watching dynasties challenged.
From UConn Champ to French Leader: Williams’ Wild Ride
Can you believe it? Williams was named captain of the Bleues on Tuesday, and she is about to make her 56th appearance for France against Hungary Friday evening. This isn’t just any appointment either; she’s the first active WNBA player to captain France at an Olympic Games or a FIBA World Cup since way back in 2014. She’s taking the reins from Valériane Ayayi, who’s 32 and just got back to the WNBA with Phoenix after over a decade overseas. Before that, Sarah Michel, who played her whole club career overseas, captained France for the 2022 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Olympics before hanging up her international jersey.
Gabby’s journey has been wild. Born in Nevada, but her mom, Thérèse, is from France, and Williams grew up speaking French. She was an absolute beast in high school, excelling in both basketball and track, even competing in the 2012 Olympic trials. She committed to UConn before the 2014-15 season, turning down a ton of big-name schools. While at Storrs, she pulled off one of only five triple-doubles in program history and left with two national championships and two second-team All-America selections. Talk about a winner! After being selected No. 4 overall in the 2018 draft, her pro career had an uneven start, playing in just 147 games over seven years. Get this: she was even suspended for the entire 2021 season because she chose to honor her commitment to the French national team over training camp with the Chicago Sky. That’s dedication! But she has absolutely exploded, realizing her All-Star potential over the last two seasons, currently averaging a career-high 14.3 points and leading a surging 29-11 Golden State squad.
France Is Stacked and Coming for That Fifth Straight Title
This France squad? They’re ultra-talented, folks, and they are not messing around. They have eight WNBA players on the roster this month, including big names like Dominique Malonga, Marine Johannes, and Pauline Astier. This core is absolutely formidable, and the source says they are the “likely greatest barrier to the United States capturing a fifth straight FIBA World Cup crown.” That’s high praise, and frankly, it feels deserved. Remember the 2024 Paris Olympics? France came within a single point of stunning the United States on their home soil. A single point! You just know that loss has been burning a hole in their collective gut ever since. Now, they’re heading to Germany this month, looking to take another massive step forward.
Williams making her 56th appearance for France against Hungary Friday evening isn’t just another game. It is the beginning of what could be a historic run. This French squad, led by their dedicated new captain, is absolutely locked in on making history. Will they finally unseat the undisputed champs? Germany is about to be wild, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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