Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams’ husband and the co-founder of Reddit has made a substantial, transformational donation to the University of Virginia’s women’s basketball team. Ohanian graduated from UVA’s school of Commerce in 2005, and has been an ardent supporter of the women’s team as well as other women’s sports. Obviously, as Serena Williams’ husband, the focus and encouragement of women’s athletics is a natural fit.
Ohanian’s donation is the largest in UVA women’s basketball history, and the second largest in all of UVA women’s athletics. “Alexis’ commitment to women’s sports is unparalleled,” said Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams. “He sees the value and he is willing to invest. His support will help attract championship talent to the University of Virginia and specifically, to UVA Women’s Basketball. I am extremely grateful for his foresight and commitment to the future of women’s athletics at the University of Virginia.”
“Starting Angel City and seeing the wave of investment in women’s sports really has been inspiring,” Ohanian said. “Women’s basketball has popped up constantly on my radar, and lots of folks have been asking me about it. It’s my alma mater.”
The gift will help the modern day financial demand that is growing in college sports. Womens basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country but still falls woefully short when it comes to funding and monetary power, especially when comparing with the men’s side.
“Look, I’m quite a groupie of women’s sports, and I’m proud to be that,” he said. “Yes, I have two daughters, and I want them to have great role models. But that’s not all this is. I love believing in things when maybe not as many other people do,” Ohanian said.
Ohanian is the husband of Serena Williams, who obviously knows a thing or two about success in women’s athletics. Williams is the winner of 23 major championships in tennis, making her one of the most heralded and decorated athletes of her generation, men or women. Ohanian’s contribution will open the way for female hoopsters of UVA to have all the equipment and support and recruitment power to build a sustained winner. And Ohanian knows a winner when he sees one.