Coco Gauff Donates $100K to Fund Tennis Scholarships for HBCU Students

Tennis star Coco Gauff is helping students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who play tennis. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) announced the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program on February 4, thanks to Gauff’s donation of $100,000. This money will help students who play tennis at HBCUs.

Gauff said she made the donation to honor her family’s history with HBCUs, which have been important in shaping her family’s life. “My family has been connected to HBCUs for a long time,” Gauff explained.

“It means a lot to me to help UNCF support student-athletes in tennis. As a young Black athlete, I know it’s important to see people who look like me doing well in sports and school.”

Gauff, who is only 20 years old and from Florida, has won big tennis titles like the 2023 U.S. Open and the 2024 French Open in women’s doubles. She is currently the third-best women’s tennis player in the world.

Maurice Jenkins Jr., a top official at UNCF, praised Gauff’s efforts. “Her donation shows her commitment to education and sports. It also encourages young athletes to follow their dreams,” he said.

Gauff also supports other sports. She recently got involved with a new basketball league called Unrivaled, supported by famous athletes and celebrities like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, and actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. Gauff said, “I love basketball, and it’s exciting to support a league that is changing the game.”

She also made a funny tweet about her dad wanting her to play basketball: “My dad always wanted me to play basketball. Haha sorry dad, but this is as close as it will get 🤣.” This shows how she supports sports in a fun way while helping others.