Photo: Quinn Rooney / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Tennis star Coco Gauff is continuing her commitment to expanding opportunities for Black student-athletes.
According to theGrio, Gauff gifted $150,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to support scholarships for competitive tennis players attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The donation, announced this week by UNCF, marks Gauff’s second major gift to the organization. Combined with her $100,000 donation in 2025, Gauff has now contributed $250,000 to help fund the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, which supports HBCU students pursuing both academic and athletic excellence.
“Education has the power to change lives, and I hope this gift will help students achieve their dreams,” Gauff said in a statement shared by UNCF.
Gauff, 21, became one of the youngest major donors in UNCF history last year when she launched the scholarship program. UNCF leadership praised her continued support and its impact on student-athletes nationwide.
“We are incredibly grateful to Coco Gauff for her generosity,” Maurice E. Jenkins Jr., UNCF’s executive vice president and chief development officer, said in a statement. “Her commitment showcases her dedication to education and athletics and inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their dreams.”
Although Gauff did not attend college, the tennis star said her family’s deep ties to HBCUs motivated her decision to give back.
“My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going all the way back to my great, great-grandfather,” Gauff said. “From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have played a huge role in shaping who we are.”
Gauff added that representation and access matter, especially for young Black athletes navigating competitive sports.
“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 said. “I want to help the next generation continue pursuing their passion for tennis while reaching their academic goals.”
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