Rapallo have completed the signing of United States international goalkeeper Isabel Williams from CN Sabadell, securing their first major addition ahead of the 2026–27 season.
The 24-year-old will take over as the Italian club’s new first-choice goalkeeper as Rapallo prepare to compete across Serie A1, the Coppa Italia and European competition. Williams arrives after spending one season with Sabadell, having previously begun her professional career in Greece with ANO Glyfada.
Standing at 191 centimetres, Williams is regarded as one of the most talented goalkeepers of her generation in the United States. She represented Team USA at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, where the Americans finished fourth, and remains part of the senior national-team programme.
Williams first established her reputation during an outstanding collegiate career with the California Golden Bears. She won the prestigious Cutino Award in 2024 and finished her time at Cal with school records for both career saves, with 885, and saves in a single season, with 326.
During her final campaign, she recorded a career-best save percentage of 65.3 per cent and averaged 12.5 saves per game, while allowing a national-low 6.7 goals per match.
Her move represents another statement of intent from Rapallo after an impressive 2025–26 campaign. The Ligurian side finished third in the Serie A1 regular season, collecting 44 points from 18 matches and ending only three points behind leaders SIS Roma.
Rapallo have already retained several important members of last season’s squad, including captain Benedetta Cabona, defender Jelena Vukovic and centre forward Giuditta Galardi. Williams is the first major new arrival as the club looks to build on that foundation and challenge Italy’s leading sides.
“I am really excited to join Rapallo Pallanuoto,” Williams said. “I cannot wait to contribute to the team and compete at the highest level, both in Italy and Europe.”
Rapallo president Enrico Antonucci described the signing as an important indication of the club’s ambition, highlighting Williams’ international experience and the growing importance of the goalkeeper position in the modern game.
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