Trailblazing Tennis Sensation Coco Gauff Empowers HBCU Scholars

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The HBCU community is celebrating the latest display of support from tennis phenom Coco Gauff. The 21-year-old superstar has once again stepped up to the net, this time with a $150,000 gift to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to provide scholarships for HBCU students competing in tennis.

This generous donation follows Gauff's $100,000 contribution to UNCF last year, cementing her status as the organization's youngest major gifts donor. In a heartfelt statement, Gauff expressed her alignment with UNCF's mission, saying, "Education has the power to change lives, and I hope this gift will help students achieve their dreams."

UNCF's executive vice president and chief development officer, Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., praised Gauff's impact, stating, "As a role model both on and off the court, Gauff's philanthropic efforts continue to inspire young people across the nation."

The Coco Gauff Scholarship Program has already awarded scholarships to 10 tennis student-athletes attending Alabama A&M, Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Howard, Livingstone, and Tuskegee.

Gauff's impact extends far beyond the tennis court. As the world's No. 3 ranked player, with a career-high of No. 2 in singles and No. 1 in doubles, she has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her 11 singles titles and 10 doubles titles, including major wins at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open, have solidified her place among the greats of the sport.

"I am honored once again to give back and support the incredible work that UNCF does to help HBCU students get to and through college."

HBCUConnect's Perspective: A Shining Example of HBCU Support

Coco Gauff's continued commitment to supporting HBCUs through her philanthropic efforts is a true testament to the power of giving back and uplifting the next generation of HBCU champions. Her generosity not only provides much-needed financial assistance to deserving student-athletes, but also serves as a shining example of the positive impact that successful HBCU alumni and supporters can have on their communities.

At HBCUConnect, we applaud Gauff's dedication to empowering HBCU scholars and athletes, as her actions demonstrate the vital role that HBCUs play in cultivating diverse leaders and changemakers. This story resonates deeply with our community, inspiring us to continue advocating for the success and recognition of these esteemed institutions and the exceptional individuals they produce.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.