USWNT and US men’s basketball win gold in Paris
Mallory Swanson scored a goal in the 57th minute to lead the USWNT to gold, while Steph Curry and Co. defeated France on their home court to take the overall victory.
The United States women’s basketball team is currently engaged in a tough gold medal game against France, led by a familiar face.
Gabby Williams, the No. 4 pick out of UConn in 2018, is one of France’s top players at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was drafted by the Chicago Sky but played overseas full-time after the 2022 season.
Williams is from the United States but is eligible to compete for France at the Olympics because her mother, Therese, is from the host country of this year’s Olympics. Williams also competed at the Tokyo Olympics, winning the bronze medal in the latter competition.
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The 6’1″ striker was one of France’s best players at this summer’s games. Here’s everything you need to know about Williams:
Why does Gabby Williams play for France?
Williams, a former WNBA player and UConn standout, is eligible to play for France because her mother, Therese, is from the country. Williams is also fluent in French despite growing up in the United States, she told ESPN in 2021.
The 1.80 m tall striker was selected as number 4 in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, but now plays abroad for Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Williams was selected to the All-America first team with the Huskies in 2017 and helped UConn to a Final Four appearance. This season, she was teammates with Napheesa Collier, who is on the U.S. Olympic roster.
