More than titles and trophies, WTA star Coco Gauff is focused on something even bigger! Fresh off from the 2025 Melbourne Slam as a quarterfinalist, Gauff showed her personality’s generous side, remembering, “being Black in tennis is, sometimes you do stick out like a sore thumb.” And Gauff’s latest work meant the world to her family – if her mom’s words are anything to go by.

Gauff donated $100,000 to UNCF to help students from historically Black colleges and universities, who play competitive tennis. The students will receive it through the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, administered by UNCF. Gauff said, “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 resonated beyond words as those close to her supported her vision.

A proud Candi Gauff backed her generous act. The former heptathlon athlete and WTA No.3 ‘s mother showed her pride by sharing the UNCF’s IG post on her story with four heart emojis. UNCF’s executive vice president and chief development officer, Maurice Jenkins Jr further praised Gauff, who became one of the youngest major donors in UNCF’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,” he reflected.

Jenkins believed Gauff’s support would motivate young leaders with resources to succeed on and off the court. And the flip side, Gauff has always cherished this deep-rooted support system, especially when it came to her mother’s encouragement. For the WTA star, her mother has been her life’s pivotal figure. From motivating her from the player’s box to congratulating her for bringing the 2025 United Cup to her team, Candi Gauff has offered steadfast support for her child. When Gauff won the 2024 China Open after a difficult season, she summed it up succintly, “It’s great to have my mom, She’s my biggest fan for sure.”

However, it wasn’t just her mother who motivated her to work for the Black community. Gauff’s grandmother Yvonne Lee Odom also played a significant role in shaping the WTA No. 3’s drive as an athlete who never fails to stand up for her community.

Coco Gauff highlighted her grandmother’s inspiration in her life

During her 2023 US Open campaign, Gauff confessed how her grandmother was the first black person in Delray Beach Florida to attend an all-white public school and broke the segregation barriers of public institutions. Additionally, she highlighted her grandmother’s influence on her advocacy. “Yeah, I think 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 said.

Reflecting on her grandmom’s powerful persona and encouraging support, she confessed in an interview last year, “Yeah, my grandmother. Grandparents in general just mean a lot to me. 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.” 

Coco Gauff‘s inspirational actions stem from her family’s upbringing. She has been raised by a powerful mother who left her career to support her dreams. Along with her mother, Gauff’s grandmother also motivated this young athlete teaching her why it matters to stand up for the right things. And as the world sees now, all that effort and  heart has paid off!