From The San Francisco Standard · · 1m 30s
Gabby Williams Bay Area Star
Gabby Williams' Bay Area roots make her the perfect fit for the Valkyries' WNBA run.
In brief
Gabby Williams' Bay Area roots make her the perfect fit for the Valkyries' WNBA run. Gabby Williams, a 30-year-old Bay Area native, became the Valkyries' star player after her team's cultural connection to the region. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
Gabby Williams' Bay Area roots
Gabby Williams grew up on road trips down Interstate 80 and Too $hort, saying she wouldn’t be half of who she is without the Bay Area.
“I would not be half of who I am without the Bay Area, without my cousins teaching me about the culture since I was a kid.”
Valkyries' playoff success
The Valkyries are 4-0 in their playoff run, with fans wearing lavender and celebrating every hit.
“We have the valkyries. Now everyone’s wearing lavender.”
Williams' cultural connection
Williams claims the Bay Area as home, with her cousins teaching her about the culture since childhood.
“You can’t even dream of doing something this big for a community you care so much about.”
Valkyries' fan base
Too $hort and E-40 have attended Valkyries games, with fans celebrating the team’s cultural connection.
“That really touches me. It makes me think about when I was young, like what it would have meant to have a team here.”
Williams' playoff stats
Williams averages 22.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in the playoffs.
“She’s one of the best two-way players in the world, I think she is the best two-way player in the world.”
Team's cultural fit
Williams’ humility and understanding of community made her an instant fit for the Valkyries.
“She’s just a humble star. She didn’t want a lot. Never talked about minutes, never talked about shots.”
Valkyries' cultural impact
The Valkyries’ cultural connection to the Bay Area has made Williams a community icon.
“I really hope we can just bring something back to the Bay.”
Williams' future impact
Williams aims to bring something back to the Bay Area with the Valkyries' WNBA run.
“We talked about losing the Raiders and how that impacted the community, and losing the A’s.”
Valkyries' playoff run
The Valkyries are on the brink of history with a 4-0 playoff run.
“Now everyone’s wearing lavender.”
Williams' cultural identity
Williams identifies with the Bay Area culture, having grown up with her cousins in the region.
“You’re just being yourself, and it’s having such an impact on the community.”
The headline
Gabby Williams, a 30-year-old Bay Area native, became the Valkyries' star player after her team's cultural connection to the region.
