When Coco Gauff, as a 15-year-old from Delray Beach, Florida, famously defeated Venus Williams at the 2019 Wimbledon as a wildcard, she instantly became a global sensation. But being propelled to stardom, her deep connection to her roots is no secret, often highlighted by her tributes to her hometown, and now, her latest New Balance drop – the “Delray Coco” kicks. But this connection runs deeper than mere sentiment. As her mother, Candi, once stated in a Teen Vogue interview, “[Coco] has a responsibility. You come from a lineage who has done great things. We wouldn’t put [anything] on you that hasn’t been done [already].” Gauff proudly carries this legacy. But where did it start?

The 21-year-old appeared on the $10.7 billion brand Rolex’s YouTube channel in an exclusive documentary series, ‘Game Changer,’ where she walked us through her beginnings as a tennis player. What inspired her? Telling her father she wanted to be a ‘GOAT’ after watching Serena Williams at the Australian Open at five or six years old. A heartwarming moment comes when she speaks about her grandparents, Yvonne Lee and Eddie “Red” Odom.

She said, “Growing up, it was never a thought for me to be a professional tennis player. Especially in the Black community, even now, tennis is still so uncommon. This is Atlantic High School. My grandmother, she was the first Black person to attend this school. She’s kind of a local legend. To make big things happen, I think it takes people to change. My grandfather, he’s a baseball coach. He helps run Delray Beach Little League, one of the first African American leagues in the state of Florida.” But how did they pave the way in Delray Beach?

Coco Gauff’s grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, faced tough challenges but never backed down. In 1961, she became the first Black student at Delray Beach’s Seacrest High School. Despite segregation, she stood strong, even when banned from a bus or told not to use the same restrooms. Though a sprinter and basketball captain, she was denied a chance to play at Seacrest because of her race, shattering her dream of a college sports scholarship. Still, she never gave up fighting.

Her grandfather, Eddie Odom, has his own story. A baseball lover, he made a big impact in Delray Beach’s American Little League. In 1970, Eddie started a Little League for Black kids, giving them a chance to play organized baseball. “Everyone who knew me on both sides of the track, they understand I love baseball,” Eddie said. “You can be broke, mad, or all the worst things, but at the ballpark, you forget it all.”

Inspired by her family, Coco gives back, too. In her docuseries with Rolex, she noted, “You can inspire people to do things not just from playing, but who you are as a person. My grandparents, they played their role so that I can live my life. I feel like I have to play my role, so somebody else can live a better life.”

During Black History Month, she donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to support HBCUs. She said, “My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going back to my great, great grandfather.” And from May 2025, the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program will award scholarships to tennis students through UNCF.

Back in December, she also celebrated them winning the Community Lifetime Achievement Award. She shared a heartfelt photo on Instagram with the caption, “community lifetime achievement award 💜 no one more deserving @yvonne.odom my grandparents >>>.” Family pride at its best!

Clearly, her grandparents’ strength and love fuel her success on and off the court. But they don’t hold back on cheering her on through her career either!

Gauff’s grandparents express their pride in the American star

At just 21, Coco Gauff already boasts 9 titles, including her epic 2023 US Open victory! While she hasn’t clinched a title since winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh and the United Cup with Team USA, she’s still making strides in her 2025 season. Reaching two finals back to back in Madrid and the Italian Open, she’s now the No. 2 ranked player in the world. And her grandmother always knew she’d be great. She said in a post on social media, “Coco, to me, was destined for greatness because as a little girl, she displayed that in many ways. I love you, you know I always say I love you, but do your best.”

Last year, Coco made history as the youngest US flag bearer at the Olympics Ceremony and clinched the WTA Finals! After a rollercoaster six years, what’s Grandma’s advice? “You know I’ve always said that because if you do your best, win or lose, I might not care if you win another match, you already made me proud. So always, do your best. Like your grandaddy said, ‘Never say die,’” she shared.

The Gauff family is bursting with pride! In August 2024 , her grandfather flaunted Coco’s New Balance T-shirt (the $5.3 billion sponsor) on Instagram. The shirt featured Coco chowing down on pizza in New York, and he captioned it, “Look at the new COCO SHIRT… PIZZA in New York..” He has been always proud of the young tennis star.

Now, with her sights set on a French Open Grand Slam, will Coco Gauff conquer, fueled by her community and family’s love? Share your thoughts in the comments below!