63-0.
An impressive undefeated streak that occurred in the early 1990’s. This record is held by none other than Venus Williams in the junior tennis circuit. At what seemed to be her “peak” and set her on the trajectory to turn pro, her father, Richard Williams, pulled her and her sister (Serena Williams) from tournaments and competition. A bold, controversial move in the name of allowing Venus and Serena to be kids, focus on their education, have fun, and develop their games.
Most importantly, Richard Williams did not want Venus nor Serena to succumb to burnout or drug use to cope with stresses by becoming professional athletes too young (as he witnessed from multiple young tennis professionals at that time). So, they stopped competing. They developed their respective games. They focused on their education. They continued to have fun. They got to be kids. Then, Venus went pro at age 14 (1994) and with a multi-million-dollar deal with Reebok.
Whether you watch the movie, King Richard, or search the history and career of Venus Williams—most accounts to her early years in tennis will all confirm the same thing: the Williams’ sisters took a different path to professional tennis...and it worked. In part, due to their love of the sport, dedication, confidence, and self-belief. In part, due to the coaching of their parents — not just in technique, but in life.
Richard Williams’ decision to let his daughters develop, be kids, and have fun playing sport mirrors what science and doctors can confirm for us presently: development is key and too much competition in anything can lead to early burnout. Even in the early 90’s, Richard Williams went against the “traditional” path of professional tennis by advocating for his daughters’ development and constantly reminding coaches and the media that the girls were in fact kids. Of course, there’s controversy in coaching styles and training techniques that come along with the lives of the Williams’ sisters—and yet, the overwhelming messages of kids being kids, having time to develop, having fun playing sport, focusing on education, and having boundaries is too important to miss.
Whether it be the 90’s or today, the message of this part of Venus and Serena Williams’ story speaks to the essence of our Core Value of Athlete Development: Fun and Player-Centered. Fun is the main reason why athletes of all ages—not just children—play sports. Sports become even more fun when athletes are able to develop, learn, and get better—all the while having time to rest, focus on their education, and build relationships. It is okay to not play every tournament. It is okay to take time from the sport and come back (and potentially play other sports). It is okay to play sports just for fun and not on a team for competition. It is okay to play tournaments. It is okay to play for competition and on different teams. Regardless of the path, the important questions to ask players are: Do you enjoy playing? Is this fun for you? It starts there, the rest will come along as it should.
Lauren Davenport is the manager of athlete development for USA Lacrosse.
