Gabby Williams is enjoying a breakout year in Seattle, becoming a first-time WNBA All-Star and the leader of France’s national team. But her success did not start on the professional stage.
The foundation for her hard-nosed, versatile game was laid years ago at UConn, under the watchful eye of a legendary coach whose tough-love lessons still echo in her mind every time she steps on the court.
How Did Geno Auriemma’s Tough Love Shape a Young Star?
During a recent appearance on Sue Bird’s YouTube channel, Seattle forward Gabby Williams and the fellow former Husky discussed their shared alma mater. When Bird asked Williams why she chose UConn over other powerhouse programs, the answer was simple: “I wanted to win.”
That desire for victory led her to a pivotal conversation with coach Geno Auriemma. “Coach looked me in my eye. He said, ‘You can come here if you want to win a championship, or go somewhere else and we’ll beat you somewhere else,’” Williams recalled. That moment marked the beginning of a mindset that would define her entire career.
At UConn, Williams was part of a dynasty. She helped the Huskies compile an incredible 148–3 record, which included four Final Four appearances and back-to-back national championships.
Auriemma’s coaching, however, was about more than just winning. Reflecting on a conversation they had before her senior year, Williams shared the wisdom that became her blueprint.
“You’re a mediocre player when you’re not playing as hard as you can, but when you are, you could be one of the best players in the world.”
Those words lit a fire under Williams. By the end of her college career, she had compiled 1,582 points, 1,007 rebounds, 481 assists, and 305 steals. Her time as a Husky was a grind, from facing challenges as a freshman to leading the team in assists as a post player, but the experience ingrained habits she still relies on today.
How Did Williams Bring the UConn Mentality to the World Stage?
The demanding mindset Auriemma fosters has long been the key to UConn’s success. Speaking to the CT Insider, Auriemma explained his philosophy.
“As a coach, you have to constantly remind them that the reason we have had a lot of success here, obviously we had the best players, is understanding that the minute your thought process is different than it is in any other game, your chances of winning go way down,” he explained.
Those lessons did not stay in Storrs. Williams took that championship DNA with her to the French national team.
“Of course, playing for a national team, I was trying to bring a lot of those UConn aspects to the team,” she said. From encouraging teammates to demanding energy from coaches, Williams helped shift the culture for “Les Bleues” by introducing a new level of intensity and accountability.
Her impact was felt immediately. In her first major international tournament, the 2021 EuroBasket, she helped France win a silver medal and earned the nickname “Swiss Army knife” for her versatility.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, her all-around game was on full display against Nigeria. She nearly notched a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds while leading the team in steals. That performance helped France secure an 87–62 victory and advance to the knockout stage.
Following a strong junior campaign in 2016-17, where she averaged 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds, Williams had the pivotal talk with Auriemma that changed her perspective.
“He had this conversation with me in my senior year,” she explained. “I was very receptive to it, and it’s still something I think about 100% today.”
In her senior season, Williams put that mindset into practice. She started every game, averaging 11.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest while leading the Huskies with 191 assists and 87 steals, establishing herself as one of the most complete players in program history.
After being drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Sky in 2018, she eventually found a home with the Seattle Storm, where that same work ethic and versatility have made her a cornerstone. The mentality forged under Auriemma’s guidance continues to be the foundation of her game today.