Venus Williams, a tennis champion and author, recently spoke to a group of middle school girls in New York City about feeling out of place and building confidence in athletic spaces. Williams shared her own experiences of feeling unwelcome in certain environments, emphasizing the importance of preparation and self-belief. She encouraged the girls to focus on their skills and let their actions speak for themselves, rather than feeling the need to prove themselves to others. The event was hosted by Dove and the Black Girls Tennis Club, highlighting the importance of building community and confidence in young female athletes.
The conversation at the event centered around confidence and community, discussing how the two are interconnected and can help boost each other. The partnership between Dove and the Black Girls Tennis Club was inspired by research showing that a significant number of girls drop out of sports by age 14 due to body confidence issues. Dove’s Body Confident Sport program, developed in partnership with Nike, aims to provide coaching tools to help girls build body confidence and continue participating in sports. The launch of a tennis-inspired soap bar was intended to raise awareness of the program and promote body positivity in female athletes.
Williams also shared insights into the struggles her sister Serena faced in the early stages of her career, particularly regarding body image criticism. Despite facing negativity and judgment, Serena continued to excel and win titles, ultimately silencing her critics. Williams emphasized the importance of perseverance and surrounding oneself with a supportive community, as this can help build confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. She assured the young tennis players in the audience that with determination and the right mindset, they can achieve success both on and off the court.
The girls at the event had the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences with Williams and Virginia Thornton, co-founder of the Black Girls Tennis Club. They spoke openly about the challenges they faced related to body image and self-esteem in athletic environments. Williams and Thornton provided encouragement and advice, stressing the importance of staying focused on their goals and not letting external opinions affect their performance. The girls were inspired by the stories of perseverance and success shared by the panelists, reinforcing the importance of building confidence and resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, the event highlighted the importance of building confidence and community in young female athletes, particularly in the face of body image criticism and judgment. Williams and Thornton’s insights and advice resonated with the audience, providing them with valuable tools and perspectives to navigate challenging situations and excel in their respective sports. The partnership between Dove and the Black Girls Tennis Club underscored the need for ongoing support and resources to help girls build body confidence and continue participating in sports. Through events like these, young athletes can feel empowered and supported as they strive to reach their full potential.
