By Ashley Brown
(Source: HBCU Buzz)
In a powerful testament to the impact of community and heritage, tennis sensation Coco Gauff has made a monumental $100,000 donation to the United Negro College Fund. The gift will fund scholarships for students playing competitive tennis at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This initiative highlights Gauff’s commitment to using her platform as an athlete to uplift aspiring student-athletes who share her passion for education and sports.
“Her commitment not only showcases her dedication to education and athletics but also inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their dreams,” said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., UNCF’s executive vice president and chief development officer, in a press release. “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.” Jenkins expressed gratitude for Gauff’s generosity. He emphasized how the donation will significantly enhance opportunities for HBCU students aiming for success in competitive tennis.
Launching the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, these scholarships will be awarded beginning in May and will be distributed to eligible student-athletes through UNCF‘s established protocols.
Deep-rooted History With HBCUs
At just 20 years old, Gauff is already one of UNCF’s youngest major benefactors and is motivated by her family’s longstanding relationship with HBCUs. She stated, “My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going all the way back to my great, great grandfather. From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have played a huge role in shaping who we are,” 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.
Gauff’s heartfelt message underscores the significance of representation and mentorship within the Black athletic community. With this scholarship, Gauff hopes to instill confidence in the next generation of tennis players, empowering them to pursue their dreams with the knowledge that they have a supportive community behind them.
This donation follows Gauff’s triumphs, including her victories at the 2023 U.S. Open and 2024 WTA Finals. In acknowledgment of her accomplishments, the United States Tennis Association pledged $3 million to renovate tennis courts nationwide, with North Carolina Central University receiving a $21,000 grant from this initiative.
As Gauff’s legacy continues to unfold both on and off the court, her generous contribution to UNCF represents a financial gift and a robust investment in the future of HBCU student-athletes.
