Gabby Williams has shot her way back into the WNBA!
The former UConn standout — who helped lead France to a silver medal at the Paris Summer Olympics — has been signed by the Seattle Storm, the team announced on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Storm for the rest of the season,” Williams, 27, said. “I feel more than ready to finally return to Seattle. I’ve missed the organization, my teammates and the fans so much. I absolutely can’t wait to come back and finish the season strong.”
Williams, who holds American and French citizenship, played for the Storm over two seasons beginning in 2022 before she suffered an injury and transitioned to playing ball overseas.
The forward was a breakout star at the Olympics, averaging 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.8 steals in six games for France.
In the gold medal game against Team USA — in which she had five points in the final five seconds — Williams nearly sent the game to overtime had her last-second shot not been on the three-point line.
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The Nevada native will join the Storm next week to kick off her third season with the team as they face off against the Washington Mystics, the franchise said, revealing that she will once again wear her No. 5 jersey.
“We’re thrilled to have Gabby back with the Storm,” Storm coach Noelle Quinn said. “Gabby is a dynamic player who brings tremendous versatility. She’s a two-way player that can guard multiple positions and has a strong offensive game; given her familiarity with our system, we know she can have an immediate impact. Gabby’s Olympic performance showcased her world-class talent, and we’re excited to have her join us as we push for the playoffs.”
Williams is not the only French basketball player whose impact in Paris has translated to a U.S. roster spot.
Guerschon Yabusele, the 6-foot-8 power forward for Team France who scored 20 points during the gold medal game against the U.S., has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN reported.
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