Williams spoke at the Valkyries' exit interviews at the team's Sephora Performance Center in Oakland, about 36 hours after the team's championship celebration, The San Francisco Standard reported.
“Obviously, I was getting plenty of death threats. There was, you know, some security issues and stuff, and there were moments where I was like, ‘How am I gonna play through all this?’ And then I would walk into Ballhalla and be like, ‘Oh, that's how,’” Williams said, according to The Standard. PinkNews quoted her as saying, “I'll never stop fighting for those who maybe can't fight for themselves in this moment.”
How it started
In May, Williams told reporters in New York that “trans rights are our new battle” and that she “would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime.” The Standard reported that the clip resurfaced in August and put her at the center of an online debate. PinkNews noted that Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase has also spoken in support of trans inclusion.
“I want to thank our fan base for just being themselves, because it allowed me to be myself, and that's huge,” Williams said. “The Bay Area is a pioneer in these kinds of issues and topics, so I am proud to represent the Bay.”
Williams was named Finals MVP; see how she took over Game 7.