In case you’ve been following the rise of tennis prodigy Coco Gauff, you’ve most likely seen the viral video that captured a heartwarming second of her as an 8-year-old sitting courtside at Arthur Ashe Stadium, mesmerized by one in every of her idols, Venus Williams.
Since then, Gauff has emerged as a dominant pressure within the tennis world. At simply 20 years previous, she has already racked up a formidable listing of accomplishments, together with 9 WTA Tour-level singles titles and 9 doubles titles. In 2023 she claimed the US Open singles title and was victorious on the 2024 WTA Finals, solidifying her standing as one of many sport’s most fun younger stars.
This previous summer time, in the course of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Gauff was chosen by her fellow U.S. Olympians to function the feminine flagbearer for the US, an honor that displays her affect and management each in sports activities and in society.
As her star continues to rise, Gauff’s dedication to creating a distinction off the courtroom is equally inspiring. She has not too long ago made a groundbreaking contribution, gifting $100,000 to UNCF to offer scholarships for Traditionally Black Faculty and Universities (HBCU) college students enjoying aggressive tennis. This contribution marks Gauff as one of many youngest main reward donors within the group’s 80-year historical past.
“We’re extremely grateful to Coco Gauff for her beneficiant $100,000 reward to UNCF, which is able to considerably impression the lives of HBCU college students aspiring to excel in aggressive tennis,” mentioned Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., government vp and chief growth officer, UNCF.
“Her dedication not solely showcases her dedication to schooling and athletics but additionally conjures up the following technology of student-athletes to pursue their goals. This reward reinforces the significance of supporting our younger leaders and guaranteeing they’ve the sources essential to succeed each on and off the courtroom.”
Gauff’s generosity comes from a deeply private place as her household has longstanding ties to HBCUs, with a number of kin having attended these establishments.
“My household has a deep-rooted historical past with HBCUs, going all the best way again to my nice, nice grandfather. From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have performed an enormous function in shaping who we’re,” she mentioned.
“Supporting UNCF in creating alternatives for student-athletes in tennis means so much to me. As a younger Black athlete, I perceive how impactful it’s to see individuals who appear to be me thriving in each sports activities and schooling. I need to assist the following technology of student-athletes proceed pursuing their ardour for tennis whereas reaching their tutorial objectives. My hope is that this scholarship offers extra younger Black gamers the boldness to chase their goals, realizing they’ve a powerful neighborhood behind them and a vibrant future forward.”
Her phrases communicate volumes in regards to the deep-rooted worth she locations on each sports activities and schooling and the function they play in empowering people and communities.
Gauff’s philanthropic efforts and on-the-court play additionally encourage others. In recognition of her 2023 US Open victory, the United States Tennis Affiliation (USTA) dedicated $3 million to refurbish tennis courts nationwide, with North Carolina Central College receiving $21,000 as a part of the initiative.
We’ve seen many tennis greats which have captivated us, however Gauff’s story, which is simply starting, serves as a testomony to her dedication and expertise. However a coronary heart for giving again could also be what really units her aside.
The Coco Gauff Scholarship Program might be administered by UNCF. Scholarships might be awarded to eligible college students who play aggressive tennis beginning in Could. Particulars might be forthcoming on UNCF.org/scholarships.
