Flickr: Boss Tweed
#WomenCrushWednesday is a recurring column highlighting the amazing women shaping and changing our world, and why the team at Global Citizen has a crush on them.
I officially have a crush on Serena Williams.
Who you ask? Well if you need this backgrounder I’d be surprised, but here it goes anyway.
You may know her as:
The Queen of the Court. Serena Williams is currently ranked #1 in women’s singles tennis, so it’s a moniker well-deserved. And you’ve probably been hearing her name lately, as she’s made headlines for deciding to return to the Indian Wells Tennis Open after a 14 year boycott (more on that in a sec).
But if you’re like me and know very little about tennis, you might be asking yourself “why does this matter?” Good question, and let me explain it to you the way my friend Ian explained it to me. (Thanks Ian!)
Back in 2001, when she was just 19, Serena won her second Indian Wells trophy by beating Kim Clijsters. There was controversy around this win though. Her sister, Venus Williams, had pulled out of the semifinals match due to an injury allowing Serena to progress through to the finals, and ultimately win the title. This sparked false accusations that their father, Richard Williams, was fixing matches between the two. The Indian Wells crowd reacted by heckling the family with jeers and racist remarks. According to Serena this was “one of the darkest moments of [her] career.” Now, after 14 years, Serena says she’s willing to return to Indian Wells, a spot that once held so much pain.
So why does this decision make Serena Williams a bit of a Bad Ass and someone we can admire?
Well first off, I think we all have our demons we have to battle. There is not a person in this world that does not feel insecure at times (I know I sure do), and in her recent article for Time Serena Williams discusses some of her insecurities surrounding Indian Wells:
"When I was booed at Indian Wells—by what seemed like the whole world—my voice of doubt became real. I didn’t understand what was going on in that moment. But worse, I had no desire to even win. It happened very quickly."
She also said:
"In a game I loved with all my heart, at one of my most cherished tournaments, I suddenly felt unwelcome, alone and afraid.
"For all their practice, preparation and confidence, even the best competitors in every sport have a voice of doubt inside them that says they are not good enough. I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger."
Even though we all have these insecurities, it’s usually easier to try and hide them, avoid them and pretend they don’t exist. It’s INCREDIBLY brave of Serena to publicly acknowledge these fears, and face her demons head on by returning to Indian Wells. I conjure up images of a brave warrior, tennis racket in hand, demolishing her demons along the way. Yes, I know this image is silly, but her courage and fearlessness are truly admirable (and warriors are cool).
If her personal strength wasn’t enough reason to view Serena as a role model, she’s also using this return to Indian Wells as a platform to shine a light on social justice and the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization that provides legal services for those denied fair and just treatment in the legal system. You can see how she’s partnering with them by watching this short 2 minute video (and according the video, maybe even win a chance to meet Serena!):
Youtube: Omaze
And this isn’t the first time Serena has used her public spotlight to bring about social good. In her recent Australian Open win (her 19th championship by the way!) Serena DOUBLED her pledge towards Motor Neuron Disease or MND. She committed to donating $200 AUD for every ace she hit during the tournament, thus donating $17,600 AUD (or $13,675 US). That’s incredible! I <3 someone that takes their commitment to social good seriously, and can stand behind the pledges they make.
Most of us are familiar with her outstanding qualities on the courts, but it’s her attributes off the court that make Serena Williams someone I look up to. I admire a woman who is strong, who is committed to helping others, and can be a positive role model to others. But it’s actually her own words in this video which make her my nominee for #womencrushwednesday. Take a listen and see what she has to say at 1:45.
Youtube: Australian Open TV
In her own word, Serena reminds us no matter what your socioeconomic background, no matter where you come from, with a dream and a hope you can achieve big and serve as an inspiration for others. Let’s follow in this woman’s example and make sure all girls can grow up to be as awesome as Serena Williams.
Show your support for girls by uploading your selfie to #ShowYourSelfie, a visual campaign for youth, that strives to promote the rights of all young people to fulfill their potential.
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