Gary Gibson
Producer
11/17/23
Listen to our NWSL finals recap with Jenna Tonelli https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/soccerovergotham
Lynn Williams is a prolific striker who has earned a reputation as one of the most formidable goalscorers in National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) history. Her impressive resume includes four NWSL Championship titles and three NWSL Shields, a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination.
In addition to her four NWSL Championships, Williams has also been recognized for her individual achievements. She was named the NWSL's Most Valuable Player in 2016 and has been selected to the NWSL Best XI on multiple occasions. These accolades serve as further testament to her undeniable impact on the league.
Photo credit: Fox Sports
Lynn Williams journey to Gotham FC
Williams' journey to NWSL stardom began in 2015 when she was drafted by the Western New York Flash as the 6th overall pick. She quickly established herself as a key player, showcasing her exceptional speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess. Her contributions were instrumental in the Flash's 2016 NWSL Championship victory, marking the first of what would become an impressive collection of titles.
In 2017, the Flash franchise was rebranded as the North Carolina Courage, and Williams continued to shine as a crucial member of the team. Over the next three seasons, she played a pivotal role in the Courage's remarkable dominance, helping them secure a remarkable 2 consecutive NWSL Championships.
On January 12, 2023, Gotham FC acquired U.S. Women's National Team forward Lynn Williams from the Kansas City Current in a last minute draft-day trade. The Current received the second overall pick in the 2023 NWSL draft in exchange for Williams
Williams was away with the national team when she fielded a call from her coaches telling her there was a trade on the table and that it was Gotham. She was told she had 3 hours to decide. After originally balking at the idea, she came to the realization of why play for a team that doesn't want her? What if they cut her minutes? This is a world cup year and she wanted to be in that squad. With a couple minutes left before the deadline, she agreed to the deal.
The trade was a significant move for both teams. Gotham FC acquired a proven scorer and leader in Williams, while the Current received a young prospect with Williams coming off a long-term hamstring injury.
Lynning
Williams' ability to consistently deliver high-quality performances on the biggest stage has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a big-game player. She has a knack for rising to the occasion and making decisive contributions when it matters most. Her clutch goals and unwavering work ethic have made her an invaluable asset to every team she has played for.
This season Lynn has been relentless. Recording a goal contribution at minute 64, 70, 80, 82, 91, and 107. She is a player that you can never take out as she keeps up her hustle for all 90 plus minutes. There is no doubt she made an incredible impact of Gotham going from last place to teaching the finals and winning.... I mean, Lynning.
Beyond her undeniable talent on the field, Williams is also known for her leadership qualities. She is a vocal presence in the locker room and sets a positive example for her teammates. She has a big personality as well. She comments on the games and league on her podcast “Snacks”. She’s a respected figure both on and off the field. She is simply a player you want to root for.
Lynn Williams' is so synonymous with winning titles they now call it “Lynning”. Lynn doesn’t know anything other than winning. Her teams have never finished at the bottom of the table. Lynn has essentially won the NWSL title every other year of her career.
Bonus item: The origin of “Go Bats”.
We were told to not lean into anything DC comics related as they have a large legal department and both parties wanted to make sure everyone knew there was no relation between the team and DC. But Lynn insisted on it. Even doing the bat celebration after goals early in the season. There was a game early in the season where Lynn came down hard on her elbow. According to Lynn “she never learned how to fall” as she has hurt herself before that way. She ended up fracturing her elbow. Instead of getting treatment, she got her arm wrapped up. Reentered the game and scored a goal. She once again did the bat celebration. And the rest is history. We’re the bats now.
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