Serena Williams is the latest athlete to receive her own Barbie Signature doll, as Mattel celebrates the tennis legend with a collectible inspired by one of her most memorable championship victories. The release arrives in recognition of International Day of the Girl and honors Williams’ achievements on the court and her continued influence on young girls.

The doll takes inspiration from Williams’ victory at the 2005 Australian Open, where she captured her seventh Grand Slam singles title. It recreates her green and white tennis outfit, complete with a cutout top featuring mesh detailing and a white skirt. A matching sweatband and tennis accessories complete the look, while the doll’s curly hair features a slightly lighter blonde color reflecting Williams’ current appearance.

With the release, Williams officially joins Team Barbie, a group of female athletes recognized for their accomplishments and influence on younger generations. Earlier this year, Mattel also honored Williams with a one-of-a-kind Role Model doll as part of its global Dream Team initiative.

Williams’ partnership with Barbie carries personal significance as a mother of two daughters who enjoy playing with the dolls. “When I first saw it, I was so excited,” the tennis star said. “I mean, I particularly am obsessed with Barbies now because my daughters are both in the stage where they play with Barbies. And having an opportunity to have my own doll is insanely cute, especially for my kids” Growing up, the tennis champion had limited access to Black dolls, making the opportunity to see herself represented particularly meaningful. She also participated in the design process, paying close attention to the doll’s complexion and hair texture.

“It was really important for me to have the right skin tone,” Williams said. “It was really important for me also for them to have the right hair. I’ve recently gone more blonde and I wanted it to be a little bit lighter than when I actually wore that outfit—so I wanted to stick that modern element into it. It was also really important for me to have a really curly hair texture, nothing straight.”

Beyond her 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, Williams has established herself as a businesswoman through her investments and entrepreneurial ventures. Her work continues to encourage women to pursue opportunities beyond traditional expectations. Williams brings her belief in perseverance to raising her daughters, encouraging them to trust their abilities even when others question what they can accomplish.

“I just always tell them never to doubt themselves,” she said. I tell them that the world is going to doubt you, so there’s no need for you to not believe in yourself. And I said, even if you don’t want to believe in yourself, you have to try. I’ll tell them at night how strong they are—strong, amazing Black women.”

As part of the launch, the Barbie Dream Gap Project will make a donation to Mrs. Rina’s House of Blessings, an organization supporting children and families in Martin County, Florida. The contribution will help fund educational programs designed to provide young people with additional resources and opportunities.

“As we celebrate International Day of the Girl, Barbie is proud to honor Serena Williams,” said Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel. “Barbie has always inspired girls to believe they can be anything, from the sports stadium to the fashion runway to the boardroom. Serena Williams embodies that message through her extraordinary achievements as an athlete, entrepreneur, and advocate for equality. By honoring her with a Barbie Signature doll, we’re celebrating a barrier-breaking icon whose legacy empowers fans everywhere to dream big and embrace their own potential.”

The Serena Williams Barbie Signature doll is available beginning October 8 at Target stores, Mattel Creations and other major retailers for $45.

Author: Okla Jones

Read the original article on Essence.