In early August, Serena Williams announced how she would be “evolving away” from the sport she dominated for 20-plus years. With one final twirl, the legend waved farewell to tennis following her third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic at the U.S. Open on Sept. 3. 

Williams’ glittering career as a 23-time grand slam singles her the only woman to accomplish a Career Golden Slam in singles and doubles—no doubt marking her a revolutionary figure in women’s tennis. 

“She’s one of the people that inspired me to seriously pursue tennis,” Eric Kim (12), varsity tennis player, said. “Aside from her humble attitude both on and off court, her success is evidence of how hard work pays off. It gives me goosebumps just knowing how a female figure can change the sporting industry with her talent and leave her legacy behind.” 

However, for the past few years, Williams’ spent much of her time off-court, preparing to transition from an athlete to a mom. She explained the biggest reason for retiring is her intention to focus more on her family. She already gave birth to her first child, Alexis Olympia, in 2017, and plans to have more children.

“It’s hard having to choose between tennis and a family, so I am sure Serena was conflicted about this in the past,” Amber Cheun (12), tennis athlete, said. “Generally, athletes devote each and every day to mastering their sport, but I feel like Serena’s process of undergoing physical labor to bear a child and her responsibilities as a mom was something that diverged her full attention from going out to the court and hustling like she used to 10 years ago.” 

Following her retirement from tennis, Williams will continue as a businesswoman. In 2014, she founded a venture capital company, Serena Ventures, and has already raised $111 million inaugural funds to invest in “founders with diverse points of view.” 

“My goodness do I enjoy tennis,” Williams said in an interview. “But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals, and finally discovering a different, but just as exciting Serena.”