‘Sports Illustrated’ Names Serena Williams 2015 Sportsperson Of The Year

Although she may have fallen two matches short of finishing the elusive Grand Slam, women’s tennis great Serena Williams was still chosen as Sports Illustrated‘s 2015 ‘Sportsperson of the Year.’ Even after sustaining several injuries, the 34-year-old player won the French and Australian Opens and Wimbledon. She also held the women’s number-one ranking all year long and won 53 out of 56 games. Williams was upset during the semifinals of the US Open.

Her 21-Grand-Slams Title is just one behind Steffi Graf and three behind the all-time world record held by Australian Margaret Court. Sports Illustrated described Williams as a force for racial justice, gender equality and equal access to education. In 2006, for example, Williams made her first trip to Africa and toured Ghana’s slave dungeons, which is when inequality became a greater concern for her. She also financed the construction of two rural high schools in Kenya, a country where many girls drop out and marry by the age of 14. William’s schools now serve 442 students, 54% of them girls after she insisted female enrollment be at least 40%.

“This year was spectacular,” Williams said in a statement.  “For Sports Illustrated to recognize my hard work, dedication, and sheer determination with this award gives me hope to continue on and do better. As I always say, it takes a village — not just one person. This is not just an accomplishment for me, but for my whole team and all my fans. I am beyond honored.”

She is the fourth tennis player to receive this award since it was instituted in 1954, as well as the third woman to ever win the award.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 11:  Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot to Roberta Vinci of Italy during their Women’s Singles Semifinals match on Day Twelve of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)