How Serena Williams Has Paved the Way for Female Athletes

Currently one of the best tennis players in the world, Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals. Note that we didn’t say “one of the best female tennis players in the world.” That’s because she’s one of the best. Period. Her 23rd Grand Slam win at Wimbledon in 2017 pushed her past Steffi Graf’s record, granting Williams the number one world ranking for women’s tennis.

Not only is Williams kicking butt on the tennis court, she’s a vocal supporter of women’s rights and African American rights. The glass ceiling sucks but women like Williams are paving the way for generations of young girls to dream big and challenge the status quo.

Williams knows that GenderInequality.Sucks and she’s determined to use her fame and status to make a difference.

“My Dream Wasn’t That of an Average Kid”

In an open letter published in Porter Magazine’s Incredible Women of 2016 issue, Williams says: “My dream wasn’t like that of an average kid, my dream was to be the best tennis player in the world. Not the best ‘female’ tennis player in the world.”

While this dream in-and-of-itself is important and influential, it is Williams’ determination that deserves our full respect. She has been practising tennis since she was three-years-old, first under the tutelage of her father and then a professional trainer when she got older. She credits the support of her family as a big reason for her success and cites her sister Venus, a tennis champion herself, as a source of inspiration for her.

Williams has always pushed herself to improve, stating: “I’m a perfectionist. I’m pretty much insatiable. I feel there are so many things I can improve on.” Williams shows us that the point isn’t to win—it’s to continue striving to be your very best, to beat your own personal records and to keep pushing the limits of what is possible.

“Think of All the Girls Who Could Have Become Top Athletes”

Sure, we’re already in love with Williams for her brilliant example of determination and mastery. The icing on the cake? She also speaks honesty about stereotypes around women’s bodies, and is candid about the pressures to have a “feminine” body instead of a strong or muscular one.

Williams has said: “Think of all the girls who could have become top athletes but quit sports because they’re afraid of having too many defined muscles and being made fun of or called unattractive.”

GivingInToBullies.Sucks, and Williams shows us how to bounce back from criticism and setbacks. Her ability to overcome challenges demonstrates her incredible strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

“The Gender Gap Hits Woman of Color the Hardest”

Williams has been an outspoken advocate for equal pay for women in sports. She doesn’t skirt around the issue of gender and racial inequality, stating: “The gender pay gap hits woman of color the hardest. I hope I can give a voice to those who aren’t heard.”

By contributing to the conversation around equal pay, Williams makes it easier for the next generation of female athletes to demand fair treatment. Williams is working hard to promote change in her industry: from writing articles for Fortune to using the #BlackWomensEqualPay hashtag to join the public discussion.

Want to get behind Williams’ cause? A custom domain like TheGenderPayGap.Sucks can help you call out unfair pay gaps in sports.

The Takeaway

While all this is enough to consider Serena Williams an icon, Williams’ latest milestone—her pregnancy—goes to show just how deeply she believes that female athletes can have it all. While women often face pressure to choose between their families and their careers, Williams shows us that it doesn’t have to be one or the other. You can be at the top of your game and still embrace motherhood.

Whether she is speaking out against sexism in her industry or empowering women of color around the world, Serena Williams has paved the way for future generations to succeed in tennis and beyond. Her hard work and talent have elevated her to a position where her voice is a force for change—and she’s determined to use her power for good. Williams shows us that you can do it all: pursue your passions, influence change and give back to the world in the process.

If you want to join Serena Williams in the fight for gender equality, a custom .SUCKS domain could be a great place to spread your message. Join the conversation today.

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