SAN MARCOS, Texas — Serena Williams means different things to different generations of tennis players. Generations young and old are celebrating her legacy as her career comes to a close.

For Texas State women’s tennis player Kiana Graham, Serena represents passion. 

“I love the way she played and competed,” said Graham, a Bobcats junior. “How feisty she is, and how she’s so intense on court.”

Graham said Williams was also a role model for her growing up as a young Black girl in the game of tennis. 

“Tennis is a predominantly white sport,” Graham said. “Seeing a woman of color be that successful in the sport, it just empowers me in a way.”

For Katrina Adams, Serena is representation. 

“Serena showed others that they too belong in our sport,” Adams said. “She’s inspired so many people all over the world — tennis players, athletes, women. She has stood for what the very best represents.”

Adams knows the importance of representation herself. She became the first African American president and CEO of the United States Tennis Association in 2015.

“They’re global icons. And what Serena and Venus both have been able to do is bring so many more eyeballs into our sport,” said Adams, who was also the first former professional player to lead the USTA. “People who never played tennis, but people who are of color that tuned in to support them.”

For John Wilkerson, Serena is the epitome of potential realized.

“She could move to a ball and put some power on it. She could move to a ball and put a sting on it,” Wilkerson said.

Wilkerson, who coached fellow African American players Zina Garrison and Lori McNeil during their careers, worked with both Williams sisters for a week in 1992. 

“At that age, I knew they were good,” Wilkerson said. “They were gonna be that, whether I worked with them or not... I’m glad I had the opportunity to say I had a chance to work with them. But they were gonna be good.” 

And now, 30 years later, the legendary coach enjoyed Serena’s last run at the U.S. Open. 

“Serena was great during her time, the greatest,” Wilkerson said. “But I don’t compare people with other times. You can’t do that, because they didn’t play.”

The greatest of all time debate might not be settled.

“I don’t know if there will ever be another Serena Williams,” Adams said. “Transformed our game, revolutionized what it looked like, what it feels like.... she has surpassed everybody’s expectations, and it’ll be hard to beat.”

But there’s no doubt Serena Williams transcended sports and changed the tennis world in ways that we’ve never seen, for generations still to come.

“Her tennis is still going to influence people,” Graham said. “No matter if she’s playing or if she’s not.”