Venus Williams: Serving Greatness

You know the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” But is this really true? If anyone knows it’s five time Wimbledon Champion, Venus Williams. With the help of her younger sister, Serena Williams, Venus changed the face of the world of tennis (literally). The phenomenal athlete began making headlines at the end of the 20^th century and hasn’t stopped since.

The first African American female to be no. #1 in the world in the sport of tennis, Williams’ life today is a far cry from her days in Compton, California. She began playing tennis at age four when her father, Richard Williams, sparked interest in the sport while watching tournaments on television. Richard pushed all five of his daughters to try the sport and lucked up when he discovered Venus, accompanied by and Serena, the youngest of the family, had a legitimate talent and passion for the sport. Like father, like daughters. Not only did Richard serve the role as father to his young prodigy daughters, but he was also their coach. Richard’s infamous “tough-love” coaching tactics was displayed during the family’s daily practices at municipal tennis courts in Los Angeles. Richard saw a spark in Venus that let him know his daughter was a champion in the makings. “A champion has four qualities, and it’s not something you can teach. You have to be rough, you have to be tough, you have to be strong and you have to just be mentally sound,” Richard stated about Serena to John Initini of sports blog Macleans.ca. Driven and determined to be the best, Venus trained non stop. Williams’ perseverance paid off. In October 1994, at the age of fourteen, Venus turned professional. “I turned pro at the age of 14, which actually changed a lot in my life as it helped me to go to upper high school and practice tennis as well. It was so good to have this balance. I always believed in myself that I was a good tennis player and had a lot of desire,” recalled Williams in an interview with Aspire Zone.

After becoming injured in 2000, there were rumors that Williams’ young star would be dimming with a retirement in the works. The press couldn’t be more wrong. A few short months after her sustained injury, Williams found victory in that year’s Wimbledon and Grand Slam single’s tournament. Days later, Venus and Serena won the Wimbledon double’s championship together. Enough victories? Of course not! This is Venus Williams we’re talking about. Paired with Serena, this terrible twosome represented the United States 2000 Olympic games with one goal in mind: get the gold. Venus took home the gold for the singles and brought home the victory with Serena in the doubles competition. Beside Helen Wills Moody (the first internationally famed American female athlete) in 1924, Venus was the only other woman in Olympiad history to win both the singles and doubles title.

After this winning streak Williams’ reign would slightly decline. But don’t count this champion out. This woman is not a one note instrument. After studying fashion design at the Art Institute of Florida, Williams began blazing a trail in the fashion industry. In 2007, Williams debuted her own clothing line at the national department store Steve and Barry’s. The woman sportswear line was named “EleVen.” She even sported some of her own brand’s fashion during several tournaments. Now, this fashionista is the CEO of V Starr Interiors, Williams’ very own interior design firm. Successful and profitable, her company is doing very well. Williams’ can do it all. Champion in tennis and fashion, Venus Williams serves greatness in all she does.

-Shantice Edwards