Coco Gauff Donates $150,000 to UNCF for HBCU Scholarships: Empowering Students Through Education and Tennis
UNCF received a generous donation of $150,000 from tennis sensation Coco Gauff on January 20, 2026, to support scholarships for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who participate in tennis. This contribution follows a previous donation of $100,000 made by Gauff last year, making her the youngest major donor to UNCF. The organization praised Gauff's support, stating that it aligns with their mission to enhance educational opportunities for HBCU students.
Expressing her gratitude, Coco Gauff stated, "I am honored to once again contribute and assist the remarkable work that UNCF does in aiding HBCU students in pursuing higher education. Education has the potential to transform lives, and I hope this donation will help students fulfill their aspirations." UNCF's Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., commended Gauff for her generosity and ongoing dedication to their cause, emphasizing her role as a positive influence for young individuals both on and off the tennis court.
The Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, established by UNCF, recently awarded scholarships to 10 tennis student-athletes from various HBCUs, including Alabama A&M, Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Howard, Livingstone, and Tuskegee. UNCF announced that information regarding future scholarship opportunities will be available online for interested applicants. Gauff, currently ranked as the world's No. 3 tennis player, has achieved significant success in her career, holding the No. 2 spot in singles and No. 1 in doubles rankings. With numerous singles and doubles titles, including victories at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open, Gauff continues to excel in the sport.
For HBCU athletes, the true victory lies in the educational opportunities provided through initiatives like the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program. Coco Gauff's ongoing support for HBCUs reflects her commitment to empowering students and fostering academic success within the community.