Seattle Storm Basketball Forward Gabby Williams Followed Her Father’s Footsteps Into Basketball!

Gabby Williams’ father, Matthew Williams, began coaching AAU basketball in the early 1990s.

June 14, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on June 13, 2026

Gabby Williams, the dynamic forward for the Seattle Storm and a standout for the French national basketball team, credits her parents, Matthew and Thérèse, for all that she has and for all that she has yet to accomplish.

Gabby was born on September 9, 1996, in Sparks, Nevada, to Matthew Williams, an American, and Therese Williams, who is French.

Matthew Williams was a basketball player at the University of Nevada-Reno from 1987 to 1991, where he competed at the collegiate level.

After his collegiate career, Matthews became a well-known figure in Sparks, Nevada, as an AAU basketball coach starting in the early 1990s.

It was his experience as a competitive athlete that provided Gabby with an early role model in basketball, which likely ignited her love for the sport as she grew up in an athletic environment.

Unlike her father, unfortunately, little to no information is known about her mother, Therese’s, career so far.

That said, her French heritage played a significant role in Gabby’s life. Therese ensured that Gabby was fluent in French, often speaking the language with her grandmother.

This early connection to the language helped Gabby embrace her French heritage and eventually represent France on the global stage at both the Tokyo 2026 and Paris 2026 Olympics.

WNBA’s Gabby Williams’ parents, Matthew and Theresa. (Image Source: )

In an interview with The Next, she highlighted the passion of French fans and her connection to her French teammates, Marine Johannes and Iliana Rupert, noting, “Seeing the rise of French basketball and seeing Marine and Iliana in the W is so freaking cool.”

Likewise, her mother, , has also expressed immense pride in Gabby’s achievements, noting during the 2018 Nevada game that seeing Gabby play at Lawlor Events Center brought tears to her eyes, saying:

Just complete pride. My eyes are watering just thinking about it.

Gabby Williams’ Father, Matthew, Passed Away In 2026!

The 29 year-old basketball player, Gabby Williams, lost her father in March 2026. However, the reason behind his demise remains unknown.

Gabby Williams with her father, Matthew. (Image Source: )

She took to her Instagram sharing a carousel of images with a caption talking about his resilience that he fought till the end, which hints that he had been battling an illness for some time. She wrote:

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

Gabby also added a personal touch, writing:

ps, i just know my dad would want everyone to know that we kept him cozy in his dallas cowboys blanket until the very end 🤍

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Gabby’s elder sister, Kayla Williams, also followed in their father’s footsteps, playing basketball for the University of Nevada women’s team from 2008 to 2012.
• At the University of Connecticut, she won two NCAA championships in 2015 and 2016.

• Check other Articles on

Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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