Tennis star Coco Gauff is paying it forward with a $150,000 donation to the United Negro College Fund.
The donation marks Gauff’s second main contribution to the group. Last 12 months, she donated $100,000, bringing her whole items to $250,000 to help the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, which helps HBCU student-tennis gamers.
Gauff mirrored on her household’s ties to HBCU tradition and emphasized the importance of those establishments for the Black group.
“My household has a deep-rooted historical past with HBCUs, going all the way in which again to my nice, great-grandfather. From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have performed an enormous function in shaping who we’re. Supporting UNCF in creating alternatives for student-athletes in tennis means lots to me, “the athlete mentioned in a press launch final 12 months.
Last 12 months, she became the youngest major donor in UNCF historical past at age 20.
“My hope is that this scholarship offers extra younger Black gamers the arrogance to chase their desires, figuring out they’ve a powerful group behind them and a shiny future forward,” Gauff advised Tennis.com.
She additionally advised the outlet that if she hadn’t turn into a tennis participant, she would have attended an HBCU. Gauff mentioned she understands the significance of illustration, so she goals to extend the visibility of African Americans in each sports activities and academia and assist help the following technology.
The UNCF introduced the present on Instagram, thanking the athlete for her generosity.
“Coco is greater than a champion on the courtroom. She’s a champion for training, alternative, and the following technology of leaders,” the group wrote.
The Coco Gauff scholarship program has already offered funds to 10 HBCU college students. The subsequent spherical of scholarships can be given to eligible college students who play aggressive tennis starting in May.
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