Coco Gauff Donates $100K to UNCF for HBCU Student-Athlete Scholarships

Coco Gauff’s Generosity Extends Beyond the Tennis Court

In a remarkable act of generosity, tennis star Coco Gauff has made a significant contribution to the Black community. At just 20 years old, Gauff has donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), earmarked for scholarships for HBCU students pursuing tennis. This donation positions her as one of the youngest donors in the organization’s history, as reported by Blavity.

Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., UNCF’s executive vice president and chief development officer, expressed gratitude for Gauff’s donation, stating in a press release, “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.” He emphasized that Gauff’s dedication serves as an inspiration and highlights the importance of providing resources for young leaders.

Gauff, already noted for becoming the youngest woman to win the WTA Finals in two decades last November, now adds another milestone as one of the UNCF’s youngest philanthropists. Her enthusiasm for supporting HBCU students is evident.

The Coco Gauff Scholarship Program will start awarding scholarships in May, focusing on students at HBCUs. Gauff acknowledged the significant impact of HBCUs on her family, stating, “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. Supporting UNCF in creating opportunities for student-athletes in tennis means a lot to me.”

She added, “As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving in both sports and education. 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.”

Gauff’s initiative not only highlights her prowess on the tennis court but also her commitment to investing in the future of young Black athletes and scholars.