Gabby Williams, a former basketball standout from UConn and the fourth overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, has signed with the Seattle Storm for the remainder of the season after helping France secure a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In the Olympic gold medal game against the United States, Williams delivered a stellar performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing seven rebounds, making three steals, and handing out two assists in a narrow 67-66 defeat. In the closing seconds, she scored five points but her attempt at a game-tying three-pointer fell short as her foot was on the line.

“Gabby’s Olympic display highlighted her elite skills, and we’re thrilled to welcome her as we aim for a playoff spot,” said Storm head coach Noelle Quinn in a statement on Tuesday. “Gabby is a versatile and impactful two-way player capable of guarding numerous positions and contributing offensively. Given her experience with our system, we expect her to make a significant impact right away.”

During the tournament in Paris, Williams was named to the All-Star Five of the women’s basketball competition, alongside notable players such as Team USA’s Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. She was also recognized as the tournament’s top defensive player.

This isn’t Williams’ first stint with the Storm or even in the WNBA. After being drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2018, she was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2021, and then to the Storm in 2022. In her 2022 season, she averaged 7.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, achieving a career-high shooting percentage of 44.4%, along with being named to the WNBA All-Defensive Team.

She re-signed with the Storm midway through the 2023 season due to injury but then shifted to playing overseas full-time.

“I’m thrilled to rejoin the Storm for the remainder of the season,” Williams said. “I feel ready to come back to Seattle. I’ve missed my organization, teammates, and the fans immensely. I can’t wait to return and finish the season on a high note.”

Williams will be playing alongside Jewell Loyd, who won gold medals with Team USA in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, both times competing against Williams and France.

Williams has represented the French national team in both the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the recent Paris Games. Having eligibility to play for France through her mother, Therese, Williams is also fluent in French, which she mentioned to ESPN in 2021.

Williams isn’t the only member of the French national team securing contracts post-Olympics. Power forward Guerschon Yabusele, who contributed to the French men’s team earning a silver medal against Team USA in Paris, has reportedly signed a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers according to an ESPN report.

Contributors: Steve Gardener, Austin Curtright