Coco Gauff Is Serving Up Opportunities for the Next Generation of Black Athletes

Coco Gauff is proving that her influence extends far beyond the tennis court. The 20-year-old Grand Slam champion has donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to establish the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, a fund designed to support student-athletes competing in tennis at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) (Black Enterprise). Announced on February 4th, the scholarship marks Gauff’s latest effort to empower young people through education — and makes her the youngest major gift donor in UNCF’s 80-year history.

For Gauff, this initiative isn’t just philanthropy — it’s personal legacy. Her family’s connection to HBCUs runs deep, stretching back generations. “My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going all the way back to my great-great-grandfather,” Gauff said in a statement. “From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have played a huge role in shaping who we are.” (UNCF Press Release).

Building Legacy Through Education and Representation

Raised in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff has always been surrounded by stories of perseverance and pride in Black excellence. Her parents, both former college athletes, have emphasized education and community service from the start. Her mother, Candi, graduated from Florida State University, and her father, Corey, played basketball at Georgia State. That foundation of discipline and faith has been at the core of her rise from a promising teenager to one of tennis’s brightest stars (The New York Times).

“As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving in both sports and education,” Gauff said. “Supporting UNCF in creating opportunities for student-athletes in tennis means a lot to me.”

Her words carry weight. According to Forbes, only about 7% of professional tennis players worldwide identify as Black, and HBCUs continue to play a vital role in nurturing athletic and academic excellence among African-American students. The scholarship will help bridge access gaps, providing resources to those who aspire to balance athletics with higher education.

Recognition From UNCF and Beyond

Maurice Jenkins Jr., UNCF’s Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, praised Gauff’s leadership and generosity. “Her commitment not only showcases her dedication to education and athletics,” Jenkins said, “but also inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their dreams. This gift reinforces the importance of supporting our young leaders and ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed both on and off the court” (UNCF.org).

The donation also aligns with UNCF’s long-standing mission of advancing minority education. Since its founding in 1944, the organization has raised more than $5 billion to support over 500,000 students — many of whom were first-generation college attendees (The Guardian).

A Star on the Court and Beyond

Gauff’s professional achievements continue to make headlines. Currently ranked No. 3 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) standings, she made history by winning the 2023 U.S. Open singles title, her first Grand Slam, and later claimed the 2024 French Open women’s doubles title alongside partner Jessica Pegula (ESPN). Her competitive spirit, maturity, and activism have drawn comparisons to tennis legends like Serena and Venus Williams — athletes who also used their platforms to open doors for others.

Off the court, Gauff continues to prove she’s just as passionate about creating space for others as she is about winning titles. Recently, she attended a game from the new Unrivaled Basketball League, which she invested in alongside celebrities such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, Ashton Kutcher, and Mila Kunis. In a lighthearted post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote: “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 🤣.” (CNN Sports).

Serving Change, One Scholarship at a Time

At just 20, Coco Gauff represents a rare combination of athletic excellence, social awareness, and generosity. She’s not just collecting trophies — she’s redistributing opportunity. Her donation serves as a reminder that greatness isn’t just about individual success but about ensuring others have the chance to rise, too.

“Coco’s story is about more than tennis,” wrote The Washington Post. “It’s about a young woman using her global platform to uplift others — especially those who share her history, her passion, and her drive.”

From dominating the tennis world to championing access to education, Coco Gauff continues to show that success is most meaningful when it’s shared.