Gabby Williams has been one of the most prominent names in the French women’s basketball setup over the past decades, emerging as the program’s most-decorated talent in recent years.<\/p>\n
She has kept those performances going as of late, averaging more than 18 points a game during Les Bleues’ run to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup gold medal game.<\/p>\n
Williams’ name hints that her origins aren’t completely French. Here’s what you need to know about her roots and why she opted to turn out for France’s national team.<\/p>\n
MORE:\u00a0Inside USA’s FIBA Women’s World Cup winning streak<\/a><\/p>\n Why Gabby Williams plays for France<\/p>\n While Williams was born and raised in Nevada, she has French roots. Her mother, Thereese, is from the country, making her eligible to turn out for Les Bleues in international competition.<\/p>\n Williams is fluent in French, having spoken the language with her grandmother as she grew up, she told ESPN<\/a> in 2021.<\/p>\n “The second I put on the French jersey for the first time, it was completely worth it,” Williams said. “I’m so close with my mother, and this has been something really cool for me to learn more about her side of the family, since I grew up in the States.<\/p>\n “I am half-French, and to actually spend time in France and see my family there has been awesome. I know my mom and her side of the family have always been proud of me. But now they can say I’m playing for Les Bleues.”<\/p>\n USA Basketball invited Williams to one training camp in 2017, when she was playing her trade at UConn. Williams never made an appearance for the senior team, instead tying down her future to France.<\/p>\n