Top 20 Serena Williams Quotes to Inspire You to Rise Up and Win
Serena Williams was only 21 when she was first named world No. 1 in singles by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in 2002. Since then, Serena has repeated the feat no fewer than eight times, spending a total of 319 weeks as world No. 1.
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She holds a total of 39 Grand Slam titles, 23 of which were for Grand Slam singles. To many tennis commentators and players, Serena Williams is quite simply the greatest female tennis player of all time.
But Williams' journey to the top was not an easy one, and she had to fight for her victories every step of the way. Her story is an inspiration to girls, women and all visible minorities who are forced to confront judgments and prejudices on the path to their dreams. With that in
Serena Williams' Most Inspirational Quotes
1. Growing up I wasn’t the richest, but I had a rich family in spirit. Standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen. I went on a court just with a ball and a racket and with a hope.
2. Think of all the girls who could become top athletes but quit sports because they're afraid of having too many defined muscles and being made fun of or called unattractive.
3. I decided I can’t pay a person to rewind time, so I may as well get over it.
4. I think you have to love yourself before you fall in love. I’m still learning to love myself.
5. I don’t like to lose -- at anything -- Yet I’ve grown most not from victories, but setbacks. If winning is God’s reward, then losing is how he teaches us.
6. There’s one thing I’m really good at, and that’s hitting the ball over a net, in a box. I’m excellent.
7. Family’s first, and that’s what matters most. We realize that our love goes deeper than the tennis game.
8. With a defeat, when you lose, you get up, you make it better, you try again. That’s what I do in life, when I get down, when I get sick, I don’t want to just stop. I keep going and I try to do more. Everyone always says never give up but you really have to take that to heart and really do never definitely give up. Keep trying.
9. I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger.
10. You can be whatever size you are, and you can be beautiful both inside and out. We’re always told what’s beautiful and what’s not, and that’s not right.
11. I always believe I can beat the best, achieve the best. I always see myself in the top position.
12. The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.
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13. I’m definitely not a fearless individual.
14. I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.
15. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.
16. I’ve had to learn to fight all my life – got to learn to keep smiling. If you smile things will work out.
17. Since I don’t look like every other girl, it takes a while to be okay with that. To be different. But different is good.
18. Everything comes at a cost. Just what are you willing to pay for it?
19. Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.
20. I think in life you should work on yourself until the day you die.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.