Gabby Williams, a former star at the University of Connecticut, recently defended her alma mater’s position as the preeminent program in women’s college basketball during an appearance on the Club 520 podcast. While acknowledging the impressive achievements of South Carolina and its head coach Dawn Staley, Williams firmly stated that UConn remains the top program, dismissing any rival claims.
Reflecting on the pressures associated with UConn’s storied tradition, Williams admitted that although she was aware of UConn’s championship legacy, the reality of those expectations truly hit her upon arriving on campus. When hosts Jeff Teague and others brought up the possibility of Tennessee and South Carolina rivaling UConn’s status, Williams stood her ground. She offered a light-hearted response, saying, “No disrespect, but I obviously disagree.”
Despite her firm stance, Williams praised Staley’s work at South Carolina, acknowledging the strong program she is building. “Mad respect for especially what Dawn is doing right now,” Williams expressed, noting that South Carolina is indeed crafting a formidable dynasty. However, she reaffirmed, “But THE dynasty [UConn].”
Highlighting UConn’s historical supremacy, Williams reminisced about the unique atmosphere on campus that instills a sense of pressure and honor among its athletes. “It is actually an insane kind of like, I don’t know, just pressure cooker of an environment,” she remarked.
The rivalry between UConn and South Carolina has grown markedly in recent years. South Carolina triumphed over UConn in the 2022 national championship game with a score of 64-49, but UConn returned strong in 2025, securing an 82-59 victory to earn its 12th national title. The rivalry further intensified when UConn ended South Carolina’s impressive 71-game home winning streak earlier that same year.
With a remarkable record of 148 wins and just 3 losses during her four-year stint at UConn, which included two national championships, Williams speaks from a place of experience. Since being selected fourth overall by the Chicago Sky in 2018, she has continued her career with the Seattle Storm.
The passionate discourse surrounding UConn’s legacy and the ongoing rivalry with South Carolina reflects the competitive spirit that defines women’s basketball at the collegiate level today. As young athletes aspire to make their mark, the legacy of programs like UConn and the rising stature of South Carolina set the stage for an exciting future in women’s sports.