Gabby Williams’ second All-Star selection has landed her in the Golden State Valkyries history books. Having signed her in the offseason, the franchise’s vision for the star forward is coming to fruition. Williams recently got her nod as a starter in the upcoming All-Star game, making her the first player from the Valkyries to achieve that feat. She joins teammate Kayla Thornton, who received a selection as a reserve during the Valkyries’ inaugural season. Yet there’s more, Williams was delivered the news by league commissioner Cathy Engelbert herself, much to her and fans’ surprise.

The Valkyries took to their Instagram account to share glimpses from Williams and Engelbert’s video call. Engelbert can be heard relaying the news of her All-Star starter selection, followed by her jolly reaction.

“I was, like, a full bite into my sandwich,” Williams said afterward. “That was so unexpected. I was eating my sandwich. And then Cathy was on the phone. That’s crazy. I just keep telling myself, I can’t believe I considered going anywhere else. But here like this has been the perfect fit. It’s been the perfect environment.”

And indeed it has been a perfect fit. The forward has remarked how the Valkyries were the “only team that I was willing to sign three years with.” Williams left the Seattle Storm following a four-year stint, hoping to test free agency and join a franchise capable of winning a championship. The pieces seem to be falling in place.

Williams is having a purple patch season in her first stint at the Bay Area. She is averaging a career-best 15.8 points per game and leads the team in steals with 1.5 steals per game (ranked 11th in the league). As per the Golden State Valkyries website, Williams is among the five players in the league who are scoring at least 15 points per game and grabbing 1.5 steals.

The two-way star has pushed her team to the third-best record in the league (13-7). Her arrival and performance are delivering on the vision laid out by the Golden State Valkyries: win a championship in their first five years.

Williams was selected as a reserve last year for the All-Star game during her stint at the Seattle Storm. However, this year she will be an outright starter alongside some of the league’s most exciting talents, like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart, in Chicago during the last week of July. That said, by no means is her selection a surprise or debatable.

The All-Star starters were voted on by players, fans and media members. Fans determined the majority of the vote at 50%, while the media personnel and players accounted for 25% apiece.

Right after her call ended, head coach Natalie Nakase, seemingly came over and gave her a warm hug. The Valkyries forward herself spoke of her fit with this franchise. For Williams, the All-Star selection is just a byproduct of what she puts in every day for the Bay Area team.

“I didn’t come to the Valkyries to be an All-Star, Williams said, as per Marcus Thompson. “Those things are just the product of everything that we do every day.”

Nevertheless, starting an All-Star game is a major honor for Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries franchise. The selection is also a firm reflection of Nakase’s opinion, who has never been short of praise for her star forward.

“She’s our star. She’s definitely an All-Star. But I think she’s obviously going to give credit to her teammates, because that’s who she is. She’s the most humble star I think I’ve ever coached before, and that’s what makes her shine even more,” she stated after her team’s back-to-back wins over Atlanta Dream last week.

Subsequently, the fans were quick to highlight Williams’ reaction on social media, specifically pinpointing her conversation with Engelbert.

Gabby Williams’ All-Star Selection Conversation With Cathy Engelbert Receives an Array of Reactions

The Valkyries fans didn’t take long to express their admiration for the franchise’s All-Star starter. Most of the comments under the post echoed the same sentiment. From a broader perspective, it makes sense as well.

“Gabby!! So lucky to have you in the Bay!!!” a fan wrote. “@gabbywilliams, please stay in the bay, this is your home, we love you so much 💜💜” stated another.

Williams has brought veteran experience to the Bay Area team. While her presence definitely helps the squad shape its defensive identity, she also bleeds the Valkyries off the court.

Her assessment of the franchise, right after the video call with Engelbert, was a demonstration of her love and has been immensely well-received by fans.

Meanwhile, a few users noticed how the news was broken to Williams. The league commissioner video calling her while she was having a sandwich made for a hilarious moment.

That’s why a fan also wrote, “I was eating my sandwich, and then Cathy was on the phone” the most deserving! Congratulations, All Star.” “Sorry, I’m eating a sandwich lol,” commented another.

Some fans even highlighted their favorite pairings with Gabby Williams in the All-Star team. “I wish Gabby and paige in the same team,” wrote another. The Dallas Wings guard is also having a stellar season, averaging 20.2 points and 6 assists. But as Dallas’ first-round pick, fans may have to contend with watching the two stars join the court at the All Star event.

Nonetheless, the Valkyries faithful will get to see one of their favorite players suiting up in that All-Star jersey on July 25 in Chicago.