Tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams are taking their game-changing influence from the court to the boardroom with the launch of the Williams Family Excellence Program, in partnership with the USTA Foundation.

This isn’t just another celebrity-endorsed initiative; it’s a profound commitment to building a pipeline of future leaders from under-resourced communities. By using tennis as a powerful catalyst for change, the program aims to provide young people with the academic support, career pathways, and mentorship opportunities necessary to succeed in life, regardless of their chosen field.
Photo Courtesy: Yuki Iwamura / AP Photo

A Legacy of Excellence Beyond the Court

The Williams sisters’ journey is a testament to the power of a clear vision, unwavering determination, and a meticulous plan. Raised in Compton, California, they transcended immense barriers to dominate a sport historically lacking in diversity.

Their father, Richard Williams, famously crafted a detailed, multi-decade plan for their success. He created a roadmap that extended far beyond tennis to encompass every aspect of their lives, from education to finance.

The Williams Family Excellence Program is a living legacy of this philosophy. It’s built on the understanding that true excellence is a mindset that can be applied to all areas of life.

The program’s ambitious goal is to reach over 2,500 young people, ages 13 to 25, annually by 2035. This long-term commitment signals that the sisters are focused on creating sustainable, systemic change rather than a short-term publicity stunt.

By leveraging the USTA Foundation’s existing network of community-based organizations, the program will identify and recruit young people with athletic potential and financial need, offering them no-cost or low-cost high-performance training, college recruitment guidance, and access to camps and competitions.

Unlocking Doors and Creating Pathways with the Williams Family Excellence Program

While the program uses tennis to start, its core mission is to empower youth with skills needed for professional success.

A key pillar, “Unlocking Excellence in Career Advancement,” will provide internships and an entrepreneurship program. This expands on the USTA Foundation’s established Career Pathways Program.

This component is particularly impactful, as it’s informed by the Williams sisters’ own successful ventures in fashion, beauty, and investment. Their personal experience in transitioning from athletic careers to business leadership provides a powerful, authentic model for young participants.

Moreover, the program’s multifaceted approach acknowledges that success looks different for everyone. For those with aspirations beyond the court, the initiative will provide mentorship and academic support to help them become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, the Williams Family Excellence Program is not just about producing better tennis players; it’s about building a generation of leaders who will, in the sisters’ own words, “dream big and leave their own marks.”