Coco Gauff Donates $150,000 To UNCF To Support HBCU Tennis Scholarships

February 9, 2026

Tennis champion Coco Gauff has donated an additional $150,000 to the United Negro College Fund to support Black student-athletes attending historically Black colleges and universities. This latest contribution brings her total giving to $250,000 for the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, which she established in 2025 when she became one of UNCF's youngest major donors. The 21-year-old athlete, who did not attend college herself, was motivated by her family's multi-generational connection to HBCUs dating back to her great-great-grandfather.

Who is affected

Black student-athletes attending HBCUs who play competitive tennis
United Negro College Fund (UNCF) as the recipient organization
Current and future recipients of the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program
The next generation of young Black athletes pursuing tennis and education

What action is being taken

Coco Gauff is donating $150,000 to UNCF
UNCF is supporting scholarships for competitive tennis players at HBCUs through the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program
The scholarship program is funding HBCU students pursuing academic and athletic excellence

Why it matters

This contribution is significant because it addresses the critical need for financial support and representation for Black student-athletes in competitive tennis at HBCUs. Gauff's donations help remove financial barriers that prevent talented students from pursuing both their athletic passions and academic goals simultaneously. The scholarship program creates visible pathways for young Black athletes to see themselves thriving in both sports and education, which can inspire future generations to pursue similar opportunities.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle