Newly signed Valkyries star Gabby Williams was once a Mission Rec Rebel

"“Even after all that, when you're a kid, you have all this energy,” Williams said. Her group of friends would play one game, two, three and four. The sun would set and they would still be playing as their parents started to barbecue. “I still think about that memory a lot, just like how much we loved the game growing up.”"

"“Sure, Williams signed with the Valkyries because she wants to win, this she has made clear. But it's also been a homecoming for the Reno native who spent her summers in the Bay playing ball.” “The Bay Area is just just filled with love, filled with appreciation,” Williams said. “I missed that culture.”"

"“I know up close and personal exactly just what it means to be a female athlete here,” she added. “So that definitely played into my decision.” Now, she will be perhaps the face of the second-year franchise after signing a three-year contract, becoming the highest paid athlete on the team."

"“She's one of the best two-way players in the world,” Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said in Williams' introductory press conference. “In terms of the human being part, she's humble. She cares deeply about winning, and that was the priority.”"

Gabby Williams signed with the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries after being a 2025 All-Star, All-Defensive First Team selection, and a steals leader. She often recalls playing as a child at the Mission Recreation Center, helping with cleanup after tournaments while still wearing her Mission Rec Rebels jersey, then continuing to play with friends until evening. Williams chose the Valkyries to pursue winning, and also because the Bay Area feels like home. She described the region as full of love and appreciation and said she understands what it means to be a female athlete there. The team expects her to be a leading figure after a three-year contract, with the head coach praising her two-way ability, humility, and focus on winning.

Read at Mission Local