Fifty teens from local Miami high schools got the chance to spend some off-court time with Serena Williams, the defending women's singles Sony Ericcson champ. Nike invited the girls to meet with Williams and chat about the advantages and challenges of being a female athlete. Williams lauded the efforts of ``pioneers like Billy Jean King, not to mention all the other great women athletes who really led the way in starting title IX which was really, really important so the female athlete like you guys have opportunities.''
She also talked about being a champion. ''When I grew up playing tennis, I never thought about anything else,'' she said. ``I wanted to win Wimbledon. I wanted to win all the Grand Slams. . . . That's what I think creates the most elite of athletes. If you do it out of pure love, pure joy from your heart and soul -- that's what creates it.'
When one student asked if she had any pre-match rituals, she responded: ``I religiously wash my hands. If I don't wash my hands, I've lost a match.''
The event raised awareness for Nike's Athlete Campaign grant program, which provides funds and products to young female athletes. To apply for a team grant, visit www.nikewomen.com.
