Serena Williams will forever be a role model for people all over the world — whether they aspire to be the next queen of the court or just want to be a better version of themselves. She's dominated the court for more than a decade and isn't stopping any time soon. On and off the court, Serena has been a champion for equality, especially when it comes to the treatment and compensation of women in sport.

At the Nike "Queens of the Future" event held in New York City on Aug. 21, Serena made a surprise appearance and shared the impact sport has had on her life. "Sport has literally changed my life. I'm here because of sport. It has given me a lot of confidence, a lot of courage, and a lot of discipline. It's helped me to be the person that I've grown to be today," she said.

"Sport has literally changed my life. I'm here because of sport. It has given me a lot of confidence, a lot of courage, and a lot of discipline...I think sport, especially in young ladies' lives, is incredibly important at whatever level you choose to play at." — @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/AHIqHxvbrz

— Tamara (@TamaraPridgett) August 22, 2019

Whether your dream is to compete with Serena at the finals of a Grand Slam or become a CEO, Serena said, "I think sport, especially in young ladies' lives, is incredibly important at whatever level you choose to play at."

Serena has shown us countless times that the impact of sport goes beyond the court. Sport can help you find and use your voice, and it will teach you how to be responsible, a team player, and a leader. You may or may not be the next GOAT, but one thing is for sure: the experiences you gain through sport can change everything.