She Coached Character, Not Just Strokes
When the world celebrates the brilliance of Venus and Serena Williams, it often credits their father, Richard Williams, for crafting the masterplan that took them to the top of global tennis. But behind the scenes, quietly yet powerfully, stood Oracene Price, their mother — a woman of resilience, intellect, and vision, who shaped not just champions, but confident, grounded women.
The Mother, The Coach, The Mentor
Oracene Price wasn’t just a mother. She was also a certified tennis coach, self-taught, and deeply involved in her daughters’ training. While Richard focused on the physical and tactical side of tennis, Oracene emphasized emotional strength, inner discipline, and identity. She coached them to stay mentally tough, spiritually grounded, and socially aware — values that continue to define the Williams sisters today.
A Lesson in Grace Under Pressure
Oracene’s calm, composed demeanor amidst the storm of media scrutiny, racial bias, and pressure-packed
matches became a life lesson for her daughters. She often reminded them to play for their love of the game —
not to prove anything to anyone. In her own words:
“I wanted them to believe in themselves. You don’t have to be what others expect you to be.”
This ability to rise above external noise and stay anchored to one's core is a vital life skill — not just
for athletes, but for any child growing up in a competitive world.
Teaching Identity Before Fame
Long before Serena became a global icon or Venus rewrote tennis history, Oracene instilled in them a sense of identity beyond trophies. She emphasized education, faith, humility, and activism. She shielded them from toxic media, taught them about African-American history, and always reminded them that their worth isn’t defined by wins.
Rooted in Culture, Rising with Pride
Oracene Price made sure her daughters never lost touch with their African-American heritage. She actively
taught them about their cultural roots, Black history, and the importance of standing tall in a world that
often tried to shrink them.
“Knowing where you come from keeps you strong when the world tries to shake you.”
She made sure they knew who they were — before the world knew their names.
Final Thoughts: Oracene Price, The Legacy Builder
While stadiums echo with applause for Venus and Serena, it is Oracene Price who remains the silent architect
of their greatness. Her role as a mother-mentor highlights the profound impact intentional parenting can have
— especially when it balances ambition with humanity. As we raise the next generation of changemakers,
Oracene’s story teaches us this:
“It’s not just about raising champions. It’s about raising whole, wise, and brave humans.”
A Powerful Message for Parents
Oracene’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every strong child is a stronger adult who believed in them early and fiercely. Her parenting was not rooted in perfectionism but in presence, patience, and perspective. In today’s fast-paced, performance-driven world, her approach reminds us that:
- Emotional intelligence matters as much as IQ or talent
- Communication, calmness, and confidence are lifelong tools
- A mother’s belief can shape a child’s destiny more than any system or institution