USTA Foundation Partners with Williams Sisters

The USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association, has announced a powerful new partnership with tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. Together, they are launching the Williams Family Excellence Program, an initiative designed to make a significant impact on young people from under-resourced communities.

Empowering Youth Through Tennis and Beyond

This program aims to provide crucial academic support, career pathways, and invaluable mentorship opportunities. The announcement, made at the U.S. Open in New York City, highlights the program’s commitment to using tennis as a catalyst for positive change. The goal is ambitious: to support over 2,500 young individuals, aged 13 to 25, annually by 2035.

A Legacy of Excellence and Opportunity

Venus and Serena expressed their honor in having the program named after their family. “Our parents always encouraged us to strive for excellence, and tennis provided us the platform and opportunity to follow our dreams,” they stated. “We truly believe this program will continue using the sport to provide others the opportunity to dream big and leave their own marks.”

Building on Existing Impact

Kathleen Wu, president of the USTA Foundation Board of Directors, emphasized that the Williams Family Excellence Program is a testament to the family’s legacy. “They didn’t just break barriers—they paved a new road,” Wu said. “And now, through this Initiative, that road will remain open for generations of young people from under-resourced communities…” This program extends the USTA Foundation’s existing work, which already supports hundreds of community programs offering tennis, education, and mentorship to over 200,000 young people.

The partnership signifies a powerful commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders, inspired by the determination, sacrifice, and resilience that define the Williams sisters’ remarkable journey.