Utah Starzz Great Natalie Williams Hired As Las Vegas Aces General Manager
Apr 11, 2022, 9:43 AM
3 Jul 2001: Natalie Williams #24 of the Utah Starzz holds the ball as Latasha Byears #00 of the Los Angeles Sparks is behind her during the game at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Sparks defeated the Starzz 84-71. (Photo: Jeff Gross /Allsport/Getty Images)
(Photo: Jeff Gross /Allsport/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Las Vegas Aces hired former Utah Starzz and WNBA great Natalie Williams as the organization’s next general manager.
Williams takes over an Aces program and was originally known as the Starzz during the franchise’s time in Utah.
“Natalie is one of the greatest players in the history of our franchise and our league, and has dedicated herself to evaluating and developing the next generation of talent throughout her post-playing career,” Aces president Nikki Fargas announced in a statement. “We’ve gotten to know her very well over the last year since we launched our alumni initiative, and couldn’t be happier to welcome her to Las Vegas as the lead architect of the Aces.”
Williams will join one of her former Starzz teammates in Las Vegas’ front office. Former Starzz great Jennifer Azzi serves as the Aces’ Chief Business Development Officer.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to return to the WNBA and to be a part of the Las Vegas Aces family!” Williams said. “It’s an honor to work alongside Nikki Fargas, Becky Hammon, and my former Utah Starzz teammate Jennifer Azzi. Thank you to owner Mark Davis for being completely invested in the success of the Las Vegas Aces and the women in the WNBA. I look forward to doing my part to help the Aces put an incredible brand of basketball on the court. It’s time to bring a championship to Las Vegas!”
𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: The Las Vegas Aces organization is excited to announce the hiring of Natalie Williams as General Manager.
Aces fans, join us in welcoming @NatWillBBall to Las Vegas! 🤩#ALLIN ♦️♠️ pic.twitter.com/0jXrynHkpI
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) April 8, 2022
Williams also shared her excitement for the new role with a post on Twitter.
“Excited for this new journey with an incredible organization! @LVAces,” the Starzz legend tweeted.
Excited for this new journey with an incredible organization! @LVAces https://t.co/18vrDMOHBT
— NatalieWilliamsBBall (@NatWillBBall) April 8, 2022
About Natalie Williams
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Williams attended high school in Taylorsville, Utah.
Prior to her time in the WNBA, Williams was an excellent volleyball player. She helped lead the UCLA Bruins to two national championships during his career as a dual-sport athlete in Southern California. She was recognized as the top collegiate volleyball player in 1992 and 1993.
After barely missing the cut for the 1996 women’s volleyball for Team USA, Williams turned her full attention to basketball.
From 1996-98, Williams played in the ABL as a member of the Portland Power.
In 1999, she was selected by the Starzz with the third overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
Natalie Williams!!!! Utah Starzz LEGEND @LVAces https://t.co/mIsHBch73y pic.twitter.com/wj7lEnhcCQ
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) May 14, 2020
Willaims played for Utah until 2002. From 2002-05, she played for the Indiana Fever to end her career.
During his career, the forward achieved the following:
- Four-time WNBA All-Star (1999-2001, 2003)
- Three-time All-WNBA First Team (1999-2001)
- Two-time All-ABL First Team (1997, 1998)
- ABL MVP (1998)
- 1996 Jones Cup Gold Medalist
- 1998 World Cup Gold Medalist
- 2000 Summer Olympic Games Gold Medalist
- 2002 World Cup Gold Medalist
After leaving Utah in 2002, the Starzz moved to San Antonio and became the Silver Stars. In 2014, the team changed its nickname to Stars. They remained in San Antonio until moving to Las Vegas in 2018, when they became the present-day Aces.
