By Kyra Alessandrini
Story by BLAVLTY)
(Source: yahoo!sports)
Coco Gauff has made a donation to the United Negro College Fund to support student athletes at HBCUs. The tennis player donated $150,000 to the organization. Last year, Gauff had already gifted $100,000 for scholarships to student athletes.
Coco Gauff donated $150,000 to support college tennis players at HBCUs
Gauff’s latest donation will help support the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to HBCU students who play collegiate tennis. The UNCF publicly thanked her for her contribution.
“Coco is more than a champion on the court. She’s a champion for education, opportunity, and the next generation of leaders,” the organization wrote in a statement posted on social media on Tuesday. “Thank you, Coco, for continuing to stand with HBCU students and helping them get to and through college.”
Gauff noted the importance of education in supporting students’ dreams: “Education has the power to change lives, and I hope this gift will help students achieve their dreams,” she said, per the statement.
The tennis player previously spoke about the significance of HBCUs, as well as the personal connection her family has to these institutions.
“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 in a press release, as Blavity reported last year. “Supporting UNCF in creating opportunities for student-athletes in tennis means a lot to me.”
This marks Coco Gauff’s second donation supporting collegiate tennis players through UNCF
In 2025, Gauff contributed $100,000 to the UNCF, effectively launching the initiative. Her gift resulted in scholarships being distributed to students at Alabama A&M, Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Howard, Livingstone and Tuskegee University, according to HBCU Sports.
At the time, Gauff became one of the youngest donors in the UNCF’s history: “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 said in last year’s press release. “I want to help the next generation of student-athletes continue pursuing their passion for tennis while reaching their academic goals. My hope is that this scholarship gives more young Black players the confidence to chase their dreams, knowing they have a strong community behind them and a bright future ahead.”
Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., the UNCF’s executive vice president and chief development officer, said Gauff’s donation sent a powerful message of support to young leaders and student athletes.
“We are incredibly grateful to Coco Gauff for her generous $100,000 gift to UNCF, which will significantly impact the lives of HBCU students aspiring to excel in competitive tennis,” she said. “Her commitment not only showcases her dedication to education and athletics but also inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their dreams. 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.”
