September 2022 Nonconformist of the Month — Serena Williams

A few weeks ago, the sports world watched as Serena Williams played her last game of professional tennis.  After a career spanning 27 years, she made the decision to retire just prior to her forty-first birthday.  She stated that it was a hard decision, as she never thought she would give up tennis, but she wants to focus on expanding her family.  She stated that her daughter, who is now five, wants a little sister.

Serena is recognized as one of the best players in women’s tennis.  With winnings totaling more than $94 million, she is the highest-earning female athlete of all time.  She spent a total of 319 as the top-ranked player and finished the year at the number 1 spot five times.  She has also won three Olympic gold medals. 

Many times over the years, she was sidelined by injuries and illnesses.  She has a history of blood clots and in 2011 she alerted her medical team when she noticed concerning symptoms.  She was hospitalized with a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in her lung.  This could have been fatal, but luckily she was treated and was able to return to playing tennis after a short absence. 

Serena is known for her dedication to her sport and for winning at times when she is not in top form.  In January 2017 she won the Australian Open while 2 months pregnant.  She announced in April of that year that she would miss the remainder of the season due to her pregnancy. 

In September 2017 she gave birth to her daughter, but she experienced complications.  During labor she had another pulmonary embolism and her daughter had to be delivered by C-Section.  This left her bed-ridden for six weeks before she could return to training. 

In September 2022, Serena officially retired from professional tennis after competing at the US Open Tournament with family and many friends in attendance.  She strolled onto the court wearing a black outfit and shoes encrusted with diamonds and beads in her hair.  Although she was eliminated, she was celebrated with cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd.  Many celebrities and some in the press are calling the “the GOAT” (Greatest of all time). 

Over the years Serena has been involved in various forms of activism.  She and her sister Venus played a charity tournament to raise money for Ronald McDonald House charities.  Serena has expressed support of Black Lives Matter and has spoken out in support of LBGTQ rights.  She has also shared her struggles with discrimination on the court, particularly for being a woman, and has been an advocate for gender equality.

Although she has retired for competition, you can bet we will be seeing more from Serena Williams in whatever role she chooses to pursue in the future.