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It is not surprising that some of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) players would name either Serena Williams or Billie Jean King as their inspiration, as both American tennis legends have been immense forces on and off the court.

While their impressive on-court performance has made them the biggest names in tennis history, it is their outspoken advocacy for gender equality and their fight for equal pay and reduced poverty for women that has earned them the respect of many around the world.

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On International Women’s day, the National Women’s Soccer League shared an Instagram thread of their players naming the person who inspires them the most. For some USWNT players, these idols are non-other than the two biggest names in tennis history, Serena Williams and Billie Jean King.

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Which players named Serena Williams and Billie Jean King as inspiration

Katie Lund, the goalkeeper for Racing Louisville FC, cited Williams as the female who had most inspired her. Lund said, “She Has Broken Barriers for women and continues to be the best.” On the other hand, Portland Thorns center-back Becky Sauerbrunn named Billie Jean King as her inspiration.

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“Everything that she’s fought for gender equity has just been so profound and has had such an impact,” Sauerbrunn said. “And she’s still so involved. She’s someone I really look up to,” Billie Jean King also replied to the thread with a folded hand and heart emoji.

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Both Williams and King have been instrumental in advocating for gender equality in sports. Both are also inspirations to many young girls around the world. They have shown that women can be just as successful as men in the world of sports. Their fight for gender equality is also something that young girls can look up to.

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What are your thoughts on this? Who would you say is the woman that inspired you the most? Let us know in the comments.