Serena Williams Plans To Open School in Senegal
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Mar 27, 2007 | Print
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Serena Williams knows that she has been blessed with an extraordinary life. Eight Grand Slams and almost eighteen million dollars in prize money are hardly normal accomplishments for a kid that grew up surrounded by crime and gang wars in Compton.
Serena, along with her sister Venus, are already heavily involved by giving back to the community in the United States, and now she is ready to take it one step further by building a school in Senegal.
My colleague Stephanie Stepp was able to talk to Serena today after her 6-1, 6-1 victory over Maria Sharapova about her latest plans to help the less fortunate in Africa.
She traveled to Africa last fall and held tennis clinics, and is working on plans to start a school for girls in the impoverished nation of Senegal.
The land for the project has already been granted - a gift from the President of the country.
“I had a meeting with the president of Senegal, President Wade, and I’m going to open a school in Senegal,” said Serena. “He donated the land to me, and so I just have to build it.”
She has not officially announced when the school will begin construction, but she is certain about its goals.
“It’s going to be an educational school because some kids can’t afford to go to school and they just are running the streets with no hope,” added Serena.
Running the streets with no hope is where Serena Williams could have been today were it not for God, the support of her parents, and a whole lot of work.
She knows that she was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth and this school will give her an opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others.
“If I can provide one kid with hope and the little hope that my parents were able to provide for me, even if it’s just one person, it makes a whole big difference in life.”
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Jayasree | Mar 27, 2007 | Reply
Actually, Serena’s got 8 Slams now what with her ‘07 AO win…
Serena’s win over Maria today must have really hurt. Oddly enough, I feel sorry for Maria.
Aaress | Mar 27, 2007 | Reply
Hi Jayasree! Thanks for catching that!
BTW - it’s great to have you back commenting. Who are you rooting for these days?
Yes, I too feel bad for Maria. Having the yips on her serve has to be messing with her brain. Especially when she loses 1-1 as the top seed.
Jayasree | Mar 27, 2007 | Reply
Part of me wants to root for Serena, but I can’t root for someone who’s a “part-time” player (at least in my view of a player). I’m not saying that she should go play every tournament out there like Martina or Hantuchova but it is rather unfortunate that the best tennis player on the women’s side (yes, I consider her to be the best) plays, on average, 5-6 tournaments a year (in fact, I can pretty much predict which 5-6 tournaments she’ll play this year, but that’s besides the point). She can play a pared-down schedule like Justine, Maria, or even Kim, but still show up more than she does now. Anyway, just my opinion.
It’s amazing how Maria losing her serve has made me want to root for her more, too. I’ve never thought she’s had a very “pretty” game, but she’s been good at playing high-percentage tennis and beating whom she was supposed to. Now, with recent smackdowns and disappointing losses to Zvonareva and Ivanovic (yes, I know she retired), I think it’s time for her to get a real coach or take a “break” and retool her game. Certainly, it’s time to fix that serve!
Can’t really root for any of the other headcases (all out of Alka-Seltzer), and don’t have ESPN right now so it’s kind of pointless, but I guess I can start thinking about it all once the French/Wimbledon rolls around (btw, I am predicting a Williams sister victory — at this time looks like it’ll be Serena — at Wimbly this year). Ciao!
Aaress | Mar 27, 2007 | Reply
I’m learning that I’ve begun to take Maria for granted. I’ve never been in the Masha-the-Basher camp, but I always assumed that she’d be in the hunt at every tournament and reach at least the semis. I guess I just got used to seeing her name on the final four draw.
But now, its been sobering to see how quickly she has self-destructed. Her serve is such a huge part of her game and without it, she’s lost on court. Her frustration yesterday against Serena was so evident - not at Serena, but at herself.
She has said that she’ll definitely be trying to work herself out of this slump, but hopefully she will take the time to fix not only the serve, but maybe get a few more weapons in her arsenal to help her out just in case the serve goes again.
Definitely like Serena’s chances for Wimbledon and I’d love to see a Justine vs. Serena final at Roland Garros. Of course, should Serena win the French Open, we’re going to be hearing a lot more talk of her chances for the Grand Slam. I personally think she’s capable of it, but the French Open could be her biggest test.
Vicki | Mar 28, 2007 | Reply
I’m not a fan of the Williams sisters but good no them for what they are about to do in Senegal. Its great to see them looking at the big picture and doing something about it. Education is the greatest gift you can give children.
Alsacienne | Mar 28, 2007 | Reply
Hi everyone,
a few comments on your comments:
I don’t really see Justine and Maria in the “part-time player” camp. They just know very well how much to play with regards to their health. justine certainly learned that the hard way. Actually, they do already what the WTA now plans to make a rule: 10 tourneys a year for the top players… And we can all see that the “play it all” girls like Svetlana, Nadia, Martina and to a degree even Amelie don’t end up winners all that much.
I am rather disappointed by Kim - she should either play a decent last year or call it quits right now. Not playing from now to Wimby and then who knows is not fair to the fans.
I personally am really happy for Serena and Venus and I don’t understand all the criticism. Face it: they live the American Dream - from messenger boy to millionaire, all by hard work. Hey, they made it, and know they are free to do what they really want and love to do. And they inspired millions and are giving back. Of course, their commitment to tennis was so so, but I guess they both learned over the last 2 years that they need to train in order to win. Looks like they made their choice - and wow what excellent players they (still) are.
An another thing about Serena: except for Sharpie and her looks, which other tennis player do you see in celebrity mags? She is the only one who is a celebrity and has the prtsonality to fit that. Now you might like that or not in a tennis player, but she might have done a lot more for the popularity of tennis than any other girl out there.
Her chances for Roland Garros? I think none if she is up against Justine. Juju is just unbelievable on clay.