Tennis Great Venus Williams is a Barbie girl who officially lives in the world of Barbie.

On Wednesday, 5/22, Mattel announced that to mark the 65th anniversary of the iconic Barbie doll, the brand will "honor 9 athletes from around the world," including Williams, who made their own "unique role model dolls" in their likeness."

"Girls involved in team sports know that they are more likely to believe that they are smart enough for their dream career, have high opinions about their abilities and abilities, increase leadership aspirations and enjoy a high level of confidence, Barbie brings together these inspiring stories that are shaping the future and shows the girl that anything is possible if she obsessively pursues passion," Bran

Williams said, noting that Barbie's mission is consistent with her own personal and professional goals.

"Throughout my career, I have always been driven by the idea of crushing the glass ceiling and being true to myself, and Barbie's mission is that spirit "I have been recognized as a role model in the sport and joined forces with Team Barbie so that the next generation of young girls will never stop believing in dreams.

Mattel says that "by recognizing athletes who have broken barriers for women in sport, Barbie hopes to help amplify the voices of women in sport to commemorate their achievements on and off the field."

"The sport's unique role model dolls serve as the embodiment of our common values of passion, empowerment and individuality.", Barbie's senior vice president and global head of dolls for Mattel said in a press release. "By shining a light on these inspiring athletes and their stories, we hope that every young girl will pursue her passion and turn her dreams into reality," the announcement said.

This announcement comes in the wake of the historic years of women's sports, especially women's NCAA basketball. After becoming the highest-scoring player in NCAA history—and helping to bring a record-breaking 18.9 million Women's Championship game viewers-Caitlin Clark became a WNBA rookie

while twice WNBA champion A'ja Wilson is now the official Nike signature athlete and wears her own coveted Nike sneakers We are landing.

"I'm very happy that we're ready for now," Wilson recently told Marie Claire. "We are not new to this. We are true to this.

"So it was really, really, just amazing to be part of this growth and thrive in it," she continued. "Now all eyes are on us. Now we can really run.

The announcement that Williams will be commemorated forever in the form of Barbie comes just a month after the tennis great told people to release a new health and wellness book, the title Strives, in September. 10.

"As an athlete, I know the patience and consistency needed to achieve your goals and get real results. At STRIEVE, my goal is to share tips and tricks that have helped me on my own personal health and nutrition journey," Williams said.

"These are the lifestyle I wanted and believed in, the lifestyle that helped me feel confident, powerful and competent, and the tools that prevent me from burning out."