Coco Gauff’s Mother Candi Beams With Pride as Daughter’s $100K Initiative Makes a Game-Changing Impact
Coco Gauff’s $100,000 Donation: A Powerful Gesture Beyond Tennis Titles
Coco Gauff is focused on something far greater than trophies and titles. Fresh off her 2025 Australian Open quarterfinal appearance, the WTA star opened up about her experience as a Black athlete in tennis, acknowledging the challenges that come with it. “Being Black in tennis, sometimes you do stick out like a sore thumb,” she shared, highlighting the unique perspective she brings to the sport. But it’s her latest philanthropic act that truly resonates with her values.
Gauff donated $100,000 to the UNCF to support student-athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are pursuing competitive tennis. The funds will be distributed through the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, administered by the UNCF. Gauff expressed, “Supporting UNCF in creating opportunities for student-athletes in tennis means a lot to me. As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving in both sports and education.”
The impact of Gauff’s initiative went beyond her words, touching the hearts of those closest to her, who fully supported her vision.
Family Pride: A Heartfelt Show of Support
Gauff’s mother, Candi Gauff, who has been a constant source of strength for her daughter, expressed her pride in a heartwarming gesture. The former heptathlete and former WTA No. 3 shared a post from the UNCF on her Instagram story, along with four heart emojis. Maurice Jenkins Jr., UNCF’s executive vice president, praised Gauff for becoming one of the youngest major donors in the organization’s history.
“Her commitment not only showcases her dedication to education and athletics but also inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their dreams,” Jenkins reflected, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of Gauff’s generosity.
Gauff’s Strong Support System: Her Mother and Grandmother
Coco Gauff has always had a solid support system, with her mother playing a key role in her career. From motivating her from the player’s box to congratulating her for winning the 2025 United Cup, Candi Gauff has always been by her daughter’s side, cheering her on. After Gauff’s 2024 China Open victory, she summed up her feelings in a simple but profound statement:
“It’s great to have my mom. She’s my biggest fan, for sure.”
But it wasn’t only her mother who inspired Gauff to work for the Black community. Her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, also played a pivotal role in shaping Gauff’s advocacy and activism. During the 2023 US Open, Gauff opened up about how her grandmother broke segregation barriers by becoming the first Black person in Delray Beach, Florida to attend an all-white public school.
Grandmother’s Influence on Gauff’s Advocacy
Reflecting on the influence of her grandmother, Gauff said, “She’s probably ‘the’ sole or one of the main reasons why I use my platform the way that I do and why I feel so comfortable speaking out.” Gauff has often spoken about her admiration for her grandmother’s work in racial justice and equality, a legacy that has deeply influenced her own advocacy.
“Grandparents, in general, just mean a lot to me,” Gauff shared. “I know a lot of you probably know what my grandmother or grandfather has done for this community regarding racial justice, equality, and equality in general.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Coco Gauff’s actions are the result of a family upbringing steeped in values of support, strength, and standing up for what’s right. Raised by a mother who sacrificed her own career to nurture her dreams, and inspired by a grandmother who paved the way for social change, Gauff embodies the powerful impact of her family’s legacy.
Now, as the world watches, it’s clear that all the love, heart, and effort Gauff received from her family has shaped her into the remarkable athlete and advocate she is today.
