Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams shared insights into how enduring tattoo pain has helped her develop greater resilience on the basketball court during an interview with Women’s Health Magazine on Tuesday. Williams, a French-born player known for her striking tattoos, explained that the process of getting inked has contributed to raising her pain threshold.
Williams, who first got a tattoo at age 12, expressed that she welcomes the discomfort of the tattoo needle more than the aches and pains typically experienced from playing basketball. Her openness about the connection between tattoo pain and endurance sheds light on how body art plays a unique role in her physical and mental toughness during games.
“I think my pain tolerance is definitely a little different,” she said. “For me, waking up, feeling stiff, my body’s hurting—I’d rather take a tattoo than basketball pain any day.”
—Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm forward
Describing her tattoos as spontaneous expressions of her personality, Williams said there is no deliberate rationale behind her choices, much like her unpredictable style on the court. This reflects her approach to both the game and her body art, where each tattoo symbolizes a part of who she is without fitting into a particular pattern.
“I know I’ve always been a player that people couldn’t really put into a box,” she said. “They’re (her tattoos) kind of all over the place. There’s no rhyme or reason to it—but it’s me.”
—Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm forward
Williams’ extensive collection of tattoos includes a wide range of designs such as anime characters, significant quotes, and a detailed sleeve featuring an angel, floral motifs, and sculptural details. She also honors musical icons with pieces dedicated to rock legends, including an outline of Freddie Mercury’s face, the Rolling Stones logo, an AC/DC lightning bolt, and Prince’s symbol, showcasing her diverse interests and personal stories inked on her skin.
Williams plays a pivotal role on the Storm roster alongside teammates Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike. The team remains focused on capturing their first championship since 2020, with Williams contributing significantly to their current pursuit.
Gabby Williams Engages with Fans After Key Win Over Defending Champions
Following Seattle Storm’s 89-79 victory against the New York Liberty on Sunday, which marked their third consecutive win, Gabby Williams created a memorable moment by interacting warmly with the cheering fans at Climate Pledge Arena. Her performance, highlighted by a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists, energized the crowd and encouraged a playful exchange during the post-game interview.
As fans shouted and interrupted her, Williams embraced the lively atmosphere, choosing to respond with humor and charm. Her brief silence ignited anticipation before she decided to speak, delighting the crowd with her lighthearted approach.
“Y’all can be loud, it’s okay I don’t even talk,” she said.
—Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm forward
After a pause, she added with a smile, “Okay, I’mma talk now.” This interaction underscored the strong connection between Williams and Seattle’s passionate supporters, celebrating her impact both on and off the court.
As the Storm maintains momentum this season with key contributions from Williams, the team looks forward to building on their current success and striving for a championship, with Williams’ unique blend of skill, determination, and resilience—fueled in part by her tattoo pain endurance—playing a central role.