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“Hate to Say It” – ACFC Part-Owner Serena Williams Once Admitted Being ‘Jealous’ Over Her Daughter Olympia Snubbing Tennis for Soccer

Published 12/23/2022, 5:00 AM EST

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When it comes to tennis, Serena Williams is the legendary name. The 23-time Grand Slam winner is closely connected to the sport even after retirement. Moreover, Williams, with her husband and other celebs and investors, is a part of a consortium that owns the Los Angeles-based NWSL expansion soccer team, Angel City FC, since 2020. But despite being a co-owner of a soccer club, she feels jealous of her daughter for playing soccer.

Speaking on the new team with co-owner Natalie Portman, Serena discussed various aspects. She spoke about how she decided to invest in a soccer team and how USWNT and the 2019 Women’s World Cup triumph played a part in the decision. While sharing this, Williams also opened up about how she feels when her daughter plays soccer.

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Serena Williams’s daughter Olympia loves playing soccer

Talking about the idea of investing in a soccer team, Serena opened up about her reaction when she sees Olympia, her daughter, kicking a soccer ball. She said, “It’s fun for him too (Alexis Ohanian) and I too to see it because our daughter loves soccer, and so I hate to say it but every time she starts kicking a ball, I’m like get this jealous look in my eyes and I give her a tennis racquet.”

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Williams’ husband and venture capitalist Alexis Ohanian came up with the idea of owning a soccer team in LA. It was in 2020 when NWSL announced an expansion team in Los Angeles. Serena was happy with the idea and became a part of the consortium.

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The significant factor in Williams’ decision was how USWNT is a dominant force in soccer. USWNT won two back-to-back Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019. She felt it was the right time to invest in women’s soccer, as it was showing signs of growth. The consortium that owns the Angel City FC consists of the majority of women.

Angel City FC and its owners

In 2020, NWSL announced an expansion team in Los Angeles who will start playing in the league in 2022. The team was named Angel City FC. The consortium includes Hollywood stars, venture capitalists, media, and sports personalities, including fourteen former USWNT players.

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Julie Uhrmam, a gaming and media entrepreneur, leads the consortium that includes Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, and Alexis Ohanian. Hollywood actors Jennifer Garner, Uzo Aduba, Jessica Chastain, and America Ferrera are also part of it.

Watch This Story: Serena Williams Amazed at Daughter Olympia Stepping on the Soccer Field

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It also includes former USWNT stars like two-time Olympic Gold Medalists and FIFA World Cup Champions Lauren Cheney Holiday and Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, Shannon Boxx, and Amanda Cromwell amongst others.

However, it would be great to see if Olympia grows up to be a soccer star. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

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Written by:

Nikhil Nibe

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One take at a time

Nikhil is a Soccer writer at EssentiallySports. He is a pharmaceutics graduate holding a PG degree in management with marketing as a specialization. A sales professional since 2011, he decided to change the course of his career into a sports writer to follow his passion for Soccer.
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Edited by:

Sreeda U M