Barbie has a new signature doll, and this one belongs to Serena Williams. The outfit is pulled straight from her 2005 Australian Open championship run, her seventh singles title, complete with the green and white look, a sweatband, and a racket. She’s also joining Team Barbie, the roster of female athletes and role models Mattel has been assembling.
The numbers behind the honor are wild. Twenty-three major singles titles. Four Olympic gold medals. First woman of color to own a major US venture capital fund. Serena said she wants every girl who plays with the doll to see possibility, not just in her, but in herself. Nathan Baynard, VP and Head of Barbie at Mattel, called her a barrier-breaking icon whose legacy empowers fans to dream big.
The rollout also came with a donation from Barbie’s Dream Gap Project to Mrs. Rina’s House of Blessings, so the moment stretches beyond the toy aisle. It’s a doll, yes, but it’s also a small piece of sports history landing in kids’hands.
Which athlete do you think should get the next signature Barbie? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.