Gabby Williams addressed her relationship with teammate Marine Johannès in an interview with the American edition of Elle, Ouest-France reported.
The French-American basketball star, who recently claimed a WNBA title and Finals MVP honors with the Golden State Valkyries, discussed the challenges of maintaining personal privacy while serving as a visible figure in the sport.
Williams acknowledged that public curiosity can feel unsettling for a couple that prioritizes discretion. She explained that outsiders often form opinions based on assumptions rather than facts.
The forward faced intense scrutiny and death threats following her public stance on transgender inclusion in sports. Subsequent remarks regarding her personal life drew additional hostile commentary on social media.
Despite the backlash, Williams recognizes the broader social significance of her visibility. She said that younger athletes often look to prominent sports figures for guidance and validation.
The couple was spotted together following Game 7 of the WNBA Finals. Williams highlighted the practical advantages of sharing a profession with her partner during high-stakes athletic competition.
« Pendant les matches de la finale, c’était vraiment agréable parce qu’elle comprend.
Having a partner familiar with the demands of elite competition helped alleviate pre-game pressure. Williams said that simple downtime away from the court made a measurable difference during championship runs.
Williams and Johannès previously played together at ASVEL between 2022 and 2024. The two players are scheduled to reunite on the court with Laces BC, a team in Unrivaled, an American 3×3 basketball league.