While the Golden State Valkyries marched to a fierce preseason win, Gabby Williams just had to express what it was like to be part of that atmosphere.

In their short existence, the Valkyries earned numerous achievements, including signing Williams this year. And despite being inactive in the Valkyries vs Seattle Storm game on April 26, Williams weighed in on the energy of the Chase Center.

“My first reaction was just shocked that it was a preseason game,” said Williams. “If you go back to last year, I remember it being really difficult to play here as an opponent. This is definitely the loudest atmosphere for sure.”

In the 2025 season, the 29-year-old played twice at the Chase Center as a rival and had a taste of the Ballhalla. But this time, entering as the star free agent acquisition of the Valkyries, Williams could feel the thrill.

As Williams witnessed her team handing a 78-76 defeat to the Storm, the franchise acknowledged her by showcasing her stats on the Jumbotron. And to add to that hype, the crowd also gave her a standing ovation.

Due to the three-year, $3.7 million contract, Williams will be witnessing the Ballhalla culture even more. But what really propelled her to join the Golden State?

Gabby Williams Was Attracted by the Valkyries' Winning Culture

Surely, the two-time WNBA All-Star wholeheartedly applauded the energy the Chase Center holds. But what really drew her attention towards the Valkyries was the winning culture and detailed vision the franchise has.

“Even though this is a newer team, I strongly believe and feel the competitiveness and the want to win here,” Williams said.  “In my free agency meeting, all we kind of talked about was how we’re going to win games.”

“The coaches, the staff, I like the way their brain works,” she added. “It works like mine. It feels like a system that I would play well in, a bit European, very tactical. The ball moves, everybody eats, that’s the kind of basketball I want to play.”

Moving forward, can you envision how Williams’ run will be with the Valkyries this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy