Just one year after the WTA was founded by Billie Jean King in 1973, King used her momentum to create the Women Sports Foundation (WSF), one of the WTA’s longest standing partners. Established to advance the lives of girls and women through sports, the WSF illustrates how one woman can bring together many to meet not only an immediate goal but serve a bigger purpose. The WTA and the WSF both believe that it takes the efforts of many allies and like-minded partners to build a better future of female leaders and International Women’s Day embodies this undertaking worldwide.

Inspired by the two organizations’ existing community development initiatives, WTA’s global Come Play program and WSF’s Athlete Ambassador program, the new effort will highlight the power of sports in shaping girls’ lives by sharing stories of female leaders both on the court and in the boardroom.

“I am pleased two organizations I founded – the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association – are working together on programs that focus on the importance of sport participation as a vehicle for girls to reach their leadership potential,” said Billie Jean King. “It is vital we continue our efforts to teach girls life lessons through sport and help them understand and learn the importance of embracing diversity, promoting equality and developing strong character.”

From engaging blogs about top female athletes and business leaders who have been influenced by sport, to social media features chronicling female empowerment around the world, the It Takes A Journey series aims to inspire a new generation of female leaders.

The series will launch in concert with the WTA’s new “It Takes” campaign to be unveiled early this spring. WTA fans will be presented with a brand-new design and narrative highlighting the authentic qualities of what “It Takes” to be a player on the WTA Tour.

The It Takes a Journey series debuts today with the moving story of American WTA player, Danielle Collins. This year’s Australian Open semi-finalist shares her childhood perspective on picking up a racquet and the life skills sports afforded her in navigating her collegiate and professional career.

“We’re so pleased to team up with the Women’s Sports Foundation and could not envision a more perfect mission to support,” said Micky Lawler, President of the WTA. “It truly does take a journey to become a champion and each path can teach us the powerful impression sports can make on young girls fulfilling their potential. Whether little girls dream of becoming the No.1 tennis player in the world or starting their own business, we’re honored to tell these stories with our partner, the Women Sports Foundation.”

Fans and supporters can tune in to the It Takes a Journey series starting on March 8 by visiting the WTA’s website here.