With seven Grand Slam titles, five Wimbledon championships and four Olympic gold medals, tennis champion Venus Williams is arguably one of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports. Not to mention a crucial reason for equal pay in professional tennis.
Her visit began with an appearance at grand opening of the new University of Arkansas recreational tennis courts to help Becky Todd, assistant vice chancellor and executive director of University Recreation, cut the ribbon and dedicate the much-anticipated new venue. Students filled the space to capacity as they listened to Williams deliver an inspiring message to all in attendance. “Bet on yourself,” she said, “Not anyone else. It is only you who will get you to where you are trying to go.”
The ceremony was followed by tennis ball shaped cupcakes and a photo opportunity with the tennis queen herself. It was then time for everyone to make their way to Bud Walton Arena for the Distinguished Lecture series’ moderated Q&A.
Being free and open to the public, the seats soon filled as both students and Northwest Arkansas citizens came to witness what Williams had to serve up. The lecture committee could not have chosen a more perfect moderator for this event; Danyelle Musselman, wife of Basketball coach Eric Musselman who has quickly become a beloved asset to the Razorback community. The energy between these two had the arena feeling like any other night when the Hogs would have been playing on the same floor. Williams and Musselman’s rapport was beautiful. Big smiles and honest laughter captivated the audience as Venus began to answer the questions.
A major part of the messages revolved around Williams’ love for her family – especially her sister. She said they shared everything and every experience they could and that the best way she could describe the two’s relationship was to think of herself as the Tinman from the Wizard of Oz or even as the Grinch. It was her sister that helped give her the heart she has now and that throughout her life Serena gave Venus the inspiration and love to help her heart grow size after size.
William’s father was another main character in her anecdotes as she compared him to Aristotle and Socrates, describing him as her own personal philosopher, exposing her and her sister to a great deal of philosophy. She said that philosophical outlook has been a huge part of her life and she learned it at a very early age.
Along with the physical training they both went through, the Williams sisters also focused on the mental side of training as well. From actual books and writings from the historical greats to breaking down Disney movies and understanding the true messages behind the cartoons. Williams mentioned Cinderella and how one of the greatest lessons she ever learned was when her dad, “King Richard,” asked her what she learned from the film. Venus admits it took her a while to understand it but that it inevitably came down to the scene in which Cinderella thanks her fairy godmother and the lesson of humility that this showed… but also Cinderella’s dress was on point.
So, while the tennis star might seem to be completely focused on the sport, her other passions are just as important and influential. Williams parlayed her fine-tuned business acumen with her competitive spirit into two successful design ventures: V Starr, a full-service commercial and residential design firm, and fashion-forward lifestyle and activewear brand, EleVen by Venus Williams.
While she excels at what seems like everything she does, she has her own definition of greatness. Venus defines being great by “what you are willing to do in this life.” “We are all humans but there are people who are willing to do exceptional things so when it comes to your dream… move on it,” she said. Williams also has her own definition of success, which she said is “being happy, healthy, and doing something that you love.”
She left the student members of the audience with some advice – “This is a moment you are learning to take care of yourself. Have fun, be young, but learn from your mistakes. Learn so you can build the best life for yourself.”
It was an exceptional lecture from an exceptional guest. And as tradition goes, Williams called the Hogs with the crowd, and Musselman invited her back so she could watch the men’s Razorback basketball team in Bud Walton Arena.
Photos: Shane White