Serena Williams has made fashion history by being recognized as a “fashion icon” by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Becoming the first athlete to receive the Fashion Icon award, she joins the ranks of Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Lenny Kravitz, Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, Franca Sozzani, Pharrell Williams, and Rihanna. The tennis star will receive the coveted award at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards, sponsored by Amazon Fashion.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve used fashion as an outlet to express myself. Fashion gave me the confidence to step on the court and own who I was and where I knew I was going,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion shared her excitement in a statement, according to Tennis.com.

The 42-year-old shared that her dream of owning her own fashion line, S by Serena, has come true throughout her career. She deems herself fortunate to have worked with both established designers and emerging creatives.

She noted that she has had a lot of fun discovering her personal style and allowing it to evolve as her life has progressed. “I’ve always held one thing true—fashion is for everyone, no matter your size, race, or income,” she remarked.

“I am incredibly honored to be receiving the prestigious Fashion Icon Award from the CFDA, an organization whose work I have long admired, and to stand among style icons I have always looked up to.”

The CFDA’s chairman, Thom Browne, commented on the choice, saying, “Serena is one of the most inspiring people in the world… a true individual… she is an icon of the sports world.…representing greatness on the highest level…bringing fashion to another world… for another audience… always staying true to herself, both on and off the court… a perfect combination of our worlds… the ultimate example of individuality in everything she does.… Serena is a true fashion icon.”

The 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards, hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker, will take place on November 6 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.