By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday February 6, 2025
Coco Gauff is utilizing her prize cash to do good on the earth. The American had delivered a $100,000 donation to supply scholarships for traditionally Black faculty and college (HBCU) college students enjoying aggressive tennis.
“We’re extremely grateful to Coco Gauff for her beneficiant $100,000 reward to UNCF, which is able to considerably influence 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 evokes the following technology of student-athletes to pursue their desires. This reward reinforces the significance of supporting our younger leaders and guaranteeing they’ve the sources essential to succeed each on and off the court docket.”
The Coco Gauff Scholarship Program might be administered by UNCF and scholarships might be awarded to eligible college students who play aggressive tennis beginning in Might. Particulars might be forthcoming on UNCF.org/scholarships.
Coco 👏🏾Gauff 👏🏾 One of many youngest main reward donors in UNCF’s historical past!
@CocoGauff continues to make historical past on the court docket & off the court docket! Her $100,000 donation to UNCF will influence the lives of HBCU college students aspiring to excel in aggressive tennis. Thanks, Coco! #BHM pic.twitter.com/OBFXc7Bs0a
— UNCF (@UNCF) February 4, 2025
“My household has a deep-rooted historical past with HBCUs, going all the way in which again to my nice, nice grandfather,” Gauff mentioned in a press release. “From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have performed an enormous position in shaping who we’re. Supporting UNCF in creating alternatives for student-athletes in tennis means rather a lot to me.
“As a younger Black athlete, I perceive how impactful it’s to see individuals who seem like me thriving in each sports activities and schooling. I wish to assist the following technology of student-athletes proceed pursuing their ardour for tennis whereas reaching their tutorial targets. My hope is that this scholarship offers extra younger Black gamers the boldness to chase their desires, understanding they’ve a robust neighborhood behind them and a vibrant future forward.”
Gauff has supported different causes in 2025. Earlier this yr, Gauff joined the funding group for the brand new girls’s basketball 3-on-3 league Unequalled in January.
“My dad at all times wished me to observe in his footsteps and play basketball. Haha sorry dad however that is as shut as it would get,” Gauff wrote on X when the information broke. “In all seriousness, I’m extremely my grateful to get the chance to uplift girls’s sports activities and I’m tremendous excited to affix the @Unrivaledwbb household! I can’t wait to observe.”
In keeping with Forbes, Gauff Gauff recorded the third-highest incomes season ever for a feminine athlete. Her estimated $34.4 is outpaced solely by Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams.
