Yusef Rasheed may not be a household name, but he played an important role in the lives of some of the greatest tennis players ever. As a coach and mentor to Serena and Venus Williams, Yusef helped shape their careers and guided them through triumphs and tragedies. But who was Yusef Rasheed beyond his coaching role? In this blog post, we’ll explore his life from his early days to his untimely death, giving you a closer look at the man behind the legend.
Who Is Yusef Rasheed? His Early Life
Yusef Rasheed was born in the United States on May 15, 1956. Not much is known about his early life other than he grew up in a family of tennis enthusiasts. Yusef’s love for tennis started at a young age, and he quickly became skilled at the sport.
As an adult, Yusef became a successful coach and trainer. He worked with several notable players throughout his career, including Jennifer Capriati and Mary Joe Fernandez. But his work with Serena and Venus Williams truly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
Despite his success on the court, Yusef remained humble and dedicated to helping others achieve their full potential. He believed that hard work combined with natural talent could take anyone far in life – not just in sports but in any profession they chose to pursue.
Yusef’s passion for tennis continued until his untimely death on July 23, 2017. His contributions to professional tennis will never be forgotten by those who knew him or were touched by his coaching prowess.
Yusef Rasheed’s Marriage With Oracene Until His Death
Yusef Rasheed’s marriage with Oracene Price was a significant chapter in his life. The couple met as teenagers, and their love story blossomed. They tied the knot in 1980 and remained together until Yusef died in 2003.
Oracene Price is a well-known tennis coach and mother to two of the greatest tennis players of all time, Venus and Serena Williams. She has credited her late husband for being an integral part of her success as a coach, stating that he always supported her dreams.
During their marriage, Yusef Rasheed dedicated himself to raising their three children while Oracene traveled extensively on tour with her students. Despite facing challenges such as Yusef’s declining health due to diabetes, they kept their bond strong until his untimely passing at 57.
Their love story serves as an inspiration for many couples who are committed to supporting each other through thick and thin. Even after Yusef’s death, Oracene continues to honor him by keeping his memory alive through stories about his kindness and dedication as a husband and father.
Yusef Rasheed Was A Father Of Three Kids
Yusef Rasheed, the late husband of Oracene Price and father to three children, was a prominent figure in the tennis world. However, his life was not just about coaching and training athletes; he was also a dedicated family man.
Rasheed had two daughters: Yetunde Price and Lyndrea Price. In addition to his biological children, he helped raise Venus Williams and Serena Williams as if they were his own, and the sisters often referred to him as their “second dad.”
Despite being busy with his coaching work, Rasheed always prioritized spending time with his family. He would take them on vacations or spend quality time at home.
Yusef Rasheed loved being a father. His commitment to raising successful and independent women is evident through the accomplishments of both Venus and Serena Williams.
Although Yusef’s eldest daughter Yetunde tragically lost her life due to gun violence in 2003, it is clear that she left an everlasting impact on her family and community.
Yusef Rasheed will be remembered for more than just his contributions to tennis; he will also be recognized as a loving father who played an important role in shaping the lives of those around him.
Yusef’s Eldest Daughter Was Murdered
Yusef Rasheed’s life was not without tragedy. His eldest daughter, Yetunde Price, was murdered in 2003 at 31. The incident occurred in Compton, California, while she was with her boyfriend, Rolland Wormley.
Yetunde, called “Tunde,” was passionate about tennis like her younger sisters Venus and Serena Williams. She was a personal assistant to them and ran their clothing line.
The news of Tunde’s death sent shockwaves through the tennis world and devastated Yusef and his family. In an interview with USA Today, Yusef spoke about how difficult it was to face losing his daughter.
Despite this tragedy, Yusef remained strong for his family and continued to support Venus and Serena in their tennis careers. He even helped coach them during some matches.
Yusef’s family will always feel the loss of Tunde. But they continue to honor her memory through their work on and off the court.
Final Words:
Yusef Rasheed was a man of many talents. He was a supportive husband, a loving father, and an influential coach in tennis. His dedication to his family and passion for coaching has left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
Although Yusef passed away over 40 years ago, his legacy lives on through his children and their achievements. Despite the tragic loss of their eldest daughter, they have continued to persevere and make their father proud.
While Yusef’s name may not be as well-known as some other coaches in the world of tennis, he played an important role in shaping the careers of some of the sport’s greatest players. His influence can still be seen today in how these athletes approach training and competition.
Yusef Rasheed may not be a household name like some other figures in sports history. Still, he will always be remembered by those who knew him as a dedicated athlete and coach with an unrelenting passion for success.