Raising kids to reach their full potential is a daunting task, but Richard Williams mastered it. He crafted a 78-page plan to turn Serena and Venus into tennis legends, starting when they were just four and a half years old. His unorthodox methods included using worn-out balls and court obstacles to boost agility and adaptability. Even homeschooling the girls allowed for more practice time, focusing on both technical skills and mental toughness. Through it all, Rick Macci, their childhood coach, has witnessed their trials and now shares stories of their remarkable journey. What’s he got in store this time?
The Williams sisters created a legacy that remains untouchable. Serena Williams holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era with 23 wins, while Venus has secured seven Grand Slam singles titles. Their father played a pivotal role in ensuring they endured the toughest challenges to face the reality when they set foot on the big stage.
Richard’s unorthodox approach extended beyond coaching. He famously pulled the sisters from the junior tournament circuit to protect them from burnout and ensure they maintained a normal childhood. During practice, Macci shared an interesting fact about Richard’s methods. He wrote, “He wanted the hitting coaches to call the ball OUT when it hit the line. The Compton Crusader of life lessons wanted the girls to confront and demand the hitter to proceed to the net for a Compton Conference Call. How smart was Richard Willpower. @serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams” Using a clever play on nicknames for these legends of the sport.
He wanted the hitting coaches to call the ball OUT when it hit the line. The Compton Crusader of life lessons wanted the girls to confront and demand the hitter to proceed to the net for a Compton Conference Call. How smart was Richard Willpower. @serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) March 16, 2025
For the unversed, Macci refers to Richard Williams as “The Compton Crusader” as a term of endearment and respect. This nickname nods to Richard’s origins in Compton, California, and his crusader-like approach to ensuring his daughters became successful tennis players while maintaining a strong sense of identity and values. An example of why he’s considered a crusader is his decision to deliberately move his family to Compton, despite its challenging environment, to instill a fighter’s mentality in his daughters.
He believed that growing up in such a tough neighborhood would prepare them for the pressures of professional tennis and the challenges they might face in the predominantly white sport. As he once phrased it in his memoir, “My plan was simple: to bring two children out of the ghetto to the forefront of a white-dominated game.”
On the other hand, Rick Macci might have been with the girls during the beginning of their legacy, but he wasn’t always their coach. While he’s best known as the former coach for the Williams sisters, Macci has worked with some of the biggest names in tennis. Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, and Jennifer Capriati are just a few stars in his coaching portfolio. So how did he get to be with the Williams family in the end?
Rick Macci gets candid about what he loved and hated about Richard Williams
Macci’s journey with the Williams family began in the early 1990s, when Richard and Oracene Price made the bold move from Compton, California, to West Palm Beach, Florida. This relocation was all about giving Serena and Venus Williams the best chance to train at a higher level, and Macci was the perfect coach to help them achieve that. For four years, he guided them at his academy, playing a pivotal role in shaping their legendary careers. But working with Richard Williams? That was a whole different ball game—full of pros and cons.
Macci has always been a huge fan of Richard Williams, and he often expresses his admiration on social media. He recently tweeted, “What I loved most about Richard Williams the Compton Controller is he was always BRUTALLY HONEST. What I did not like at times about the Compton Controller is he was SOMETIMES BEYOND BRUTALLY HONEST. LOVE THIS GUY!” Richard’s honesty was legendary, and so was his humor.
Back in December 2024, Macci recalled a time when Richard quipped, “Richard Williams is the funniest and most honest guy I ever met. He said from day one. Venus throws her entire body at the ball. Serena throws her beads at the balls. The wife throws a good meal every night. Every day I just throw a tantrum!” This blend of humor and brutal honesty defined Richard’s personality.
Beyond his time with Macci from 1991 to 1995, Richard served as the primary coach when Venus and Serena turned professional. Macci has witnessed firsthand the trials and tribulations they faced, and now he shares stories of their remarkable journey. The Williams sisters’ story is one of discipline, honesty, and family bonds—a testament to Richard’s unwavering dedication to his daughters’ success.
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