When Venus Williams stood before the roaring crowd at the U.S. Open this summer, she didn’t talk about trophies, titles, or the records she’s shattered. Instead, she said something that silenced the arena for a moment: “Tennis is just the start.”

Those five words marked not just a reflection, but the beginning of a new chapter for two of the most iconic athletes in history. Venus and Serena Williams—sisters, champions, trailblazers—are now turning their family legacy into a force for future generations through the Williams Family Excellence Program, a powerful new initiative launched in partnership with the United States Tennis Association Foundation.

A Legacy Beyond the Court

For decades, the Williams sisters have redefined what it means to be great—not only in tennis but in resilience, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. From the cracked courts of Compton to the grand stages of Wimbledon, their story has become a symbol of possibility.

Now, they want to make sure others have that same chance. The Williams Family Excellence Program is designed to empower athletes between the ages of 13 and 25 from under-resourced communities—offering scholarships, mentoring, performance training, and internship opportunities. It’s not just about creating tennis players; it’s about creating leaders.

“We Want Every Child to Dream Big”

“This program is very important to us,” Venus said passionately. “Through tennis, we can create so many opportunities—building careers, creating scholarships, and giving every child a chance to live their dreams. I cannot imagine my life without tennis. I never want to, and I never want these young people to have to do that either.”

Her words echo the belief that has guided the Williams family for decades—that greatness begins with opportunity.

Serena, too, sees this as a way to give back to the community that shaped them. “We know what it’s like to have people doubt you,” she shared in a recent interview. “We want to be the reason someone believes in themselves.”

Building the Future—One Dream at a Time

The program’s goal is ambitious: to reach 2,500 young people every year by 2035. With support from the USTA Foundation, it will connect young athletes to not just tennis, but to education, mentorship, and career pathways that can change lives far beyond the court.

Brian Vahaly, chairman of the USTA board, expressed it best: “Their story is one of courage and resilience. This program carries that legacy forward by giving young people the same sense of possibility that the Williams family has given all of us.”

From Compton to the World

It’s impossible to talk about Venus and Serena without revisiting where it all began—a small public park in Compton, California. Under the relentless sun, guided by their father Richard’s vision and their mother Oracene’s unwavering belief, the sisters learned not just how to hit a ball, but how to fight for every dream.

Now, they’re extending that same spirit to a new generation—kids who might not have the resources but have the fire. “We want to show them that success doesn’t depend on where you come from, but where you’re willing to go,” Serena once said.

A New Kind of Victory

The Williams Family Excellence Program isn’t just a charity—it’s a legacy project. It’s about rewriting what excellence means, showing that victory is not only about lifting a trophy but about lifting others along the way.

As Venus and Serena transition from athletes to architects of opportunity, they are proving that true greatness lies not in how many times you win, but in how many lives you change.

Tennis was just the beginning. The next generation—that’s their championship now.