She’s serving opportunities for the next generation of Black athletes!
Coco Gauff has donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to establish the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, benefiting student-athletes playing tennis at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Black Enterprise reports. Announced on February 4th, the scholarship continues Gauff’s commitment to uplifting her community and investing in education, making her the youngest major gift donor in UNCF’s eighty-year history.
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For The 20-year-old tennis superstar, this initiative is personal. Her family has a long history with HBCUs, dating back to her great-great-grandfather. Many of her relatives—including aunts, uncles, and cousins—attended HBCUs, making them a foundational part of her family’s legacy.
“My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going all the way back to my great-great-grandfather,” Gauff shared in a statement. “From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have played a huge role in shaping who we are.”
As a trailblazing Black athlete herself, Gauff understands the significance of representation and opportunity. She hopes this scholarship will provide student-athletes with the resources needed to thrive both on and off the court.
“Supporting UNCF in creating opportunities for student-athletes in tennis means a lot to me,” said Gauff. “As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving in both sports and education.”
She is currently ranked No. 3 in the WTA rankings and has already made history as a Grand Slam champion, winning the 2023 U.S. Open singles title and the 2024 French Open women’s doubles title. But beyond her own success, she remains committed to paving the way for others.
Maurice Jenkins Jr., UNCF’s executive vice president and chief development officer, praised Gauff’s generosity and vision.
“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 said. “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.”
Gauff’s impact extends beyond tennis. She recently attended an Unrivaled basketball game after joining a star-studded group—including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, Ashton Kutcher, and Mila Kunis—in backing the league’s debut. She playfully acknowledged her dad’s long-standing wish for her to pursue basketball, tweeting, “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 
.”
From dominating the tennis world to investing in the future of Black student-athletes, Coco Gauff is proving that success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about lifting others up as you climb.
Cover photo: Coco Gauff Donates $100K to UNCF to Fund Scholarships for HBCU Tennis Players/Photo credit: Robert Prange/Getty Images