Coco Gauff’s tennis journey began in Delray Beach, Florida, at a small academy when she was just six years old. Fueled by her family’s support—her father serving as her coach and her mother as her teacher—Gauff committed to her sport from a young age. Florida became her training ground, where her days revolved around perfecting her skills. Her dedication led her to a stunning breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2019 at just 15 years old, where she defeated Venus Williams in straight sets in the first round. Four years later, at age 19, Gauff made history by winning the 2023 US Open, becoming the youngest American to do so since Serena Williams in 1999.
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Her rapid rise and success haven’t just captivated fans—they’ve inspired young athletes and encouraged her to give back to the community that raised her.
In 2024, Gauff was featured on Wheaties’ signature orange cereal box, joining a legacy that includes tennis legends like Billie Jean King, Serena Williams (2019), and Althea Gibson (2001), the first Black woman to grace the box. On April 9, she shared a meaningful update via the Wheaties Instagram account, announcing her partnership with General Mills to support her hometown. Gauff revealed a $50,000 donation to Delray Beach Parks & Recreation, emphasizing the personal significance of the cause. She explained that she grew up playing on public courts in Delray and wanted to provide the same opportunities for the next generation.
Delray Beach’s Pompey Park has always held sentimental value for the Gauff family. It was where Coco trained under her father’s guidance, and it’s named in part after her grandfather, Eddie “Red” Odom, a local civil rights leader. The USTA has honored Gauff by refurbishing the park’s tennis courts through its US Open Legacy Initiative.
In terms of her off-court contributions, Gauff has made efforts to celebrate her roots and encourage young athletes. Her signature New Balance CG2 tennis shoes—worn at the Australian Open—reflect her father’s early hope she would play basketball. The shoe design nods to that influence. She also introduced the Coco Delray low-top sneakers, inspired by her upbringing and designed to support youth in pursuing their sporting dreams, regardless of discipline.
Her philanthropic journey continued in February during Black History Month, when she donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), particularly those excelling in tennis. Gauff shared her personal ties to HBCUs, explaining that her family’s involvement goes back generations. Her donation made her one of the youngest major contributors in the organization’s 80-year history. The funds will support the newly announced “Coco Gauff Scholarship Program,” which launches in May 2025.
Gauff’s activism is also rooted in the legacy of her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, who stood against racial inequality during her college years. Gauff herself has spoken about the challenges of being Black in tennis, noting that it can sometimes make one feel out of place. She has been vocal about honoring icons like Venus and Serena Williams, whose influence shaped her path.
As the tennis season shifts to clay courts, fans are watching closely to see how Gauff will perform following some recent early tournament exits. After starting 2024 strong with a United Cup win, she’s aiming to bounce back and continue proving her resilience both on and off the court.
Coco Gauff’s evolution from a tennis prodigy to a community-driven philanthropist shows that she’s not just a champion on the court, but also a powerful role model fortoday’s youth.