Serena Williams is an athletic inspiration, and has just come off of a win at Wimbledon 2015. In her victory over Garbiñe Muguruza, Serena Williams earned her sixth Wimbledon Singles title. In addition, it was her 21st Grand Slam Singles Title (which puts her just three titles behind Margaret Court, who has 24 Grand Slam Singles Titles). If these many accomplishments aren’t a testament to Serena’s incredible athletic ability, then I don’t know what is. Serena has worked hard throughout her career and has earned a top spot in the tennis community. This calendar year alone, she has won the 2014 U.S. Open, the Australian Open, French Open, and the most recent, Wimbledon. Her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, raved at her success saying, "If you see how much effort it takes to win one [major], to be able to win four in a row is completely incredible.” Winning those four in a row has given her the Serena Slam, which she accomplished in the 2002-2003 seasons.

Next on the calendar is the 2015 U.S. Open, being held August 31 through September 13, and if Serena wins it then, she will be completing the calendar Grand Slam, which hasn’t been done since Steffi Graf in 1988. Accomplishing the calendar Grand Slam is a coveted honor and as Serena explains it, “There’s a reason that it’s been 27 years since it’s been done.” But it isn’t an honor that’s given out, it has to be earned, and it takes a certain work ethic and mindset to achieve such a triumph. From my observations, Serena Williams has a certain formula for success.

1. Believe in yourself.

2. Keep trying, and trying, and trying.

3. Never forget to smile.

I see Serena Williams as not only an inspiring athlete, but an inspiring person. She’s not afraid to be who she is, and has become a role model on and off of the tennis court. She’s athletic, beautiful, and comfortable in her skin. She has become a beacon of comfort and a role model for girls constantly judging their appearances and abilities. She strongly believes in the importance of hard work, and consistently displays that philosophy. It would be an honor to witness her, hopefully, accomplishing the calendar Grand Slam this fall!