Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, has made a significant contribution to support the education of Black student-athletes by donating $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The donation will fund scholarships for tennis players at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), continuing Gauff’s strong family legacy in the HBCU community.
A Generous Contribution to HBCU Tennis Players
On February 4, the UNCF announced the launch of the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, marking a pivotal moment in Gauff’s journey to support young Black athletes. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students playing tennis at HBCUs, helping them pursue both their athletic and academic goals.
The donation comes after Gauff’s remarkable achievements in the world of tennis, where she claimed the 2023 U.S. Open singles title and the 2024 French Open women’s doubles title. As of now, she ranks No. 3 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) standings, making her one of the most promising young athletes in the world.
“I’m honored to contribute to the next generation of tennis players and help them succeed at HBCUs,” Gauff shared. “Growing up, I always looked up to others who looked like me, both in sports and education. It’s important to me to give back in a way that makes a real impact.”
Honoring Her Family’s Deep HBCU Roots
Gauff’s connection to HBCUs runs deep. Her family has been involved with these institutions for generations, with roots tracing all the way back to her great-great-grandfather. HBCUs have played a crucial role in shaping the values and success of Gauff and her relatives, inspiring her to continue their legacy.
“My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going all the way back to my great-great-grandfather,” Gauff explained. “From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have shaped who we are. Supporting UNCF in creating opportunities for Black student-athletes is very meaningful to me.”
Her decision to invest in scholarships for HBCU tennis players is a reflection of her commitment to enhancing opportunities for young Black athletes. She believes that seeing individuals who look like her succeed in both academics and sports can empower the next generation.
Empowering the Next Generation of Black Athletes
Gauff’s $100,000 contribution serves as a beacon of hope for many young Black athletes striving to excel both on and off the court. Maurice Jenkins Jr., the UNCF executive vice president and chief development officer, expressed admiration for Gauff’s dedication. “Her commitment showcases not only her love for education and sports but also her drive to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams,” he said.
The scholarship will undoubtedly have a profound effect on HBCU tennis programs, providing athletes with the resources they need to succeed in their careers. By empowering student-athletes, Gauff is helping to ensure that the next generation can achieve their goals, regardless of financial barriers.
Coco Gauff’s Broader Impact on Women’s Sports
Beyond her contribution to HBCU tennis, Gauff has also been an active supporter of women’s sports more broadly. She recently showed her support for the Unrivaled basketball league, where she joined other celebrities like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Michael Phelps to help promote the new league. Gauff’s involvement in Unrivaled highlights her dedication to uplifting women in sports and her willingness to support initiatives that drive change.
With her humor and positive attitude, Gauff continues to show that supporting others can be both fun and impactful. She shared a lighthearted tweet about her support for basketball, joking, “My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps and play basketball. Haha sorry dad but this is as close as it will get.”
