Gabby Williams is showing she truly belongs among the WNBA’s elite. And her 2025 season is making that crystal clear. Playing for the Seattle Storm, Williams has surged to career highs in multiple categories. She’s averaging 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and an impressive 2.3 steals per game this season. Furthermore, her defensive instincts continue to set her apart as she leads the league in steals.
Williams’ two-way impact got her the recognition she deserves: her first WNBA All-Star selection in 2025. On the international stage with France, she’s just as potent. Bronze in 2020 Tokyo and then silver in 2024 Paris, she helped her country by averaging strong numbers in points, assists, and steals. This tenacity is something she’s kept on improving since her 2018 debut. And there are two people behind this, her ever-supportive parents.
Who are Gabby Williams’ parents?
Gabby Williams was born in Reno, Nevada, on September 9, 1996, to Matthew Williams and Thérèse Williams. She grew up in a family of four siblings. Her father, Matthew, is American, and her mother, Thérèse, is French. Growing up in a blended household, she carries both American and French citizenship. Fluency in French came naturally to Gabby, thanks to her grandmother’s influence, while her athletic gifts became evident at an early age.
Her father played basketball for the University of Nevada from 1988 to 1992 and also competed as a 6-10 high jumper, setting the stage for Gabby’s dual-sport excellence. Like her dad, she thrived in both basketball and track & field, quickly emerging as one of the nation’s top two-sport stars.
At Edward C. Reed High School, Williams dominated the hardwood, averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven steals per game as a sophomore. On the track, she was just as unstoppable, earning the Gatorade Nevada Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year honor. Yet basketball remained her deepest passion.
Her talent took her to UConn, where she became a cornerstone of the Huskies’ dynasty. Across four seasons, she helped the program compile an astounding 148–3 record, with four consecutive Final Four appearances and back-to-back national championships. And through it all, she had the constant support of her parents.
Gabby Williams’ parents’ careers and their background
Growing up in a basketball-driven household, Gabby Williams never had to search far for inspiration. She helped guide her high school team to a Nevada state title. But her athleticism wasn’t confined to basketball alone. It is something she credits to her father’s influence.
Matthew wasn’t just a former University of Nevada player; he built a legacy of his own, running some of the state’s most recognized AAU basketball tournaments. Gabby played for the Jam On It Club team, which he coached. “That’s been her bread and butter. It’s our livelihood. If Gabby’s not playing, she’s working the clock. She’ll take over the business someday,” he said. Unfortunately, her father was not there for Gabby this season as she touched multiple career-high numbers.
The loss of her father last year was a devastating personal blow, but Gabby carries his legacy forward with pride. Born to an African-American father and French mother, she embraces her biracial identity as both a strength and a bridge between two cultures. Her journey also carries a spiritual layer. While at UConn, encouraged by teammate Azurá Stevens, she began attending church, studying the Bible, and eventually committed herself to Christianity. On September 1, 2017, she was baptized. A moment that continues to shape her life and her game today.
Gabby Williams’ relationship with her parents and siblings
Gabby Williams has always spoken with warmth and gratitude about her parents, particularly her late father. She has often emphasized how their steady presence helped her not only celebrate triumphs but also endure setbacks. During the Paris Olympics, she drew strength from her extended family in France and the encouragement of her fans, which kept her competitive fire alive.
Athletics run deep in the Williams household. Her oldest sister, Kayla, plays professionally in Australia, while her younger sister, Jayda Noble, suits up for the University of Washington women’s basketball team. Gabby often highlights her special bond with Jayda, once saying, “It’s so fun. My sister comes with me everywhere. She’s like my little homie… She even watches my cat while I’m gone, it’s just so cool.”
However, the loss of their father, Matt, in March 2024 was a heartbreaking moment for the Williams sisters. Gabby shared a touching tribute, writing: “You fought so hard for so long, and you never gave up, not one time. We’re so proud of you. Get some rest, pops. We love you. P.S. I just know my dad would want everyone to know that we kept him cozy in his Dallas Cowboys blanket until the very end.”
Through every triumph and setback, Gabby Williams has remained grounded in the values and support her family instilled in her from a young age. Even in the face of personal loss, she continues to carry her father’s legacy forward, transforming grief into strength and perseverance. Her journey as an athlete is more than just stats and accolades—it’s a testament to resilience, family bonds, and staying true to oneself. As Gabby continues to excel on the court and inspire those around her, it’s clear that the foundation her parents built for her is helping shape not only a remarkable career but also a life full of purpose and passion.