Serena Williams had every reason in the world not to participate in basketball this year.
While she wasn’t expecting a ton of floor time anyway, the senior needed surgery on her wrist in time to heal for National Guard basic training in early July. There were only two varsity games scheduled before her surgery on Wednesday, an operation that will end her high school athletic career.
But motivated by the memory of her friend Jill Thompson, a Nicollet athlete who died in a car accident a year ago, Williams joined the Clippers anyway. She began practice on January 4. With the first scheduled game canceled, her one game, fittingly against Nicollet/Loyola, was on Friday.
“I wasn’t going to come out because of surgery. I didn’t really want to waste my time. But I had somebody who I love tell me never to quit. I did it for Jill. I did what she wanted, and I am really happy I did. I wouldn’t have played basketball last year either if it were not for her, and I am just happy where I am.”
A year and two days after her friend passed away, Williams played on the B-squad on Friday—where she made a free throw—and in both halves of the varsity game, where she helped the Clippers win in overtime. Rolling around the rim, her one shot on varsity, from the baseline, did everything but drop through the net.
Last year, Williams honored Thompson before a Clipper game.
“She had a passion for everything she ever did. She lit up every room she walked into. She was an amazing friend to everyone including me. She loved and respected everyone….she was truly a blessing.”
And while Thompson is an inspiration to Williams, Williams is now an inspiration to her teammates.
“We talked about that in the locker room with the girls at the end of the game,” said head coach Joe Remiger. “Last year she practiced a whole season but saw very little time since we didn't have a B-Squad. She has definitely been an encouragement to our team, and I think we've been able to encourage her. I love her dedication to our team and to our players.”
Williams, normally a three-sport athlete—something rare these days—will not be healed in time to compete in softball this spring, but she looks forward to being a member of the Minnesota National Guard, where she enlisted in November as a 42A Human Resource Specialist.