Why is Gabby Williams playing for France?

The United States women’s basketball team is currently locked in a tough gold medal match against France, who’s led by a familiar face.
Gabby Williams, the No. 4 overall pick out of UConn in 2018, is one of France’s best players at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was drafted by the Chicago Sky but started playing overseas full time after the 2022 season.
Williams is from the United States but is eligible to play for France in the Olympics due to her mother, Therese, being from the host country of this year’s Olympic Games. Williams also competed in the Tokyo Olympics, winning the bronze medal in the last competition.
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS:Follow USA TODAY’s full coverage here
The 5-foot-11 forward has been one of France’s best players at the Games this summer. Here’s everything to know about Williams:
2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.
Williams, a former WNBA player and UConn standout, is eligible to play for France as her mom, Therese, is from the country. Williams is also fluent in French, despite growing up in the United States, she told ESPN in 2021.
The 5-foot-11 forward was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, but now plays overseas for Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Williams was a first-team All-America selection with the Huskies in 2017, helping lead UConn to a Final Four appearance. She was teammates that season with Napheesa Collier, who’s a member of Team USA’s Olympic roster.