Gauff Gives $150K to HBCU Tennis Scholarships

Student athletes at historically Black colleges who play tennis may gain access to more scholarship funding through UNCF.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Scholarships

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a yellow-green tennis ball on a curved white court line with a small stack of books, in warm ochre and sage tones. — Tennis star Coco Gauff donated another $150,000 to UNCF, bringing her total to $250,000 for scholarships at historically Black college tennis programs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Tennis star Coco Gauff donated $150,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), building on an earlier $100,000 gift. The funds will support scholarships for student athletes at historically Black colleges and universities who compete in tennis.

Why it matters

Student athletes often juggle demanding training schedules with coursework and college costs, and dedicated scholarship dollars can help ease that financial pressure. The donation brings Gauff's total contributions to UNCF to $250,000.

Gauff's latest gift is $150,000, following an earlier $100,000 donation, for $250,000 in total contributions to UNCF. The Coco Gauff Scholarship Program has helped 10 eligible student athletes attending six HBCUs.

The players

Coco Gauff

Professional tennis player and Grand Slam singles champion who won the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open.

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

Nonprofit that funds scholarships and support for students at historically Black colleges and universities, and administers the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program.

Maurice E. Jenkins Jr.

UNCF executive vice president and chief development officer overseeing the organization's fundraising efforts.

The details

UNCF administers the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, directing funds to student athletes at HBCUs who compete in tennis. The scholarships are designed to help these students balance academics with competitive play. The six participating institutions are Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Livingstone College and Tuskegee University. Students interested in such awards should contact their school's athletics or financial-aid office to learn what support is available.

Earlier in 2026: Gauff made her first $100,000 donation to UNCF.
November 4, 2026: Gauff's additional $150,000 donation was reported.

Education Landscape

Private donations from athletes to HBCU scholarship funds have become a visible way to support students who balance sports and academics. This gift adds to a growing set of athlete-backed scholarships routed through UNCF.

Student athletes at HBCUs who play tennis may be able to ask their school's athletics or financial-aid office whether Coco Gauff Scholarship Program funds are available. Because the program has so far supported 10 students across six schools, awards are limited, so early conversations with your school are worthwhile.

The takeaway

Dedicated scholarship money can make a real difference for student athletes juggling sports and college costs. If you attend or plan to attend an HBCU and play tennis, ask your school's financial-aid or athletics office about scholarship programs that may be available to you.