In the midst of her electrifying run at the 2025 Italian Open, Coco Gauff paused to honor a woman whose courage and resilience have shaped her both as a tennis star and a global advocate: her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom. On May 11, 2025, as Yvonne celebrated her 75th birthday, Coco and her mother, Candi Gauff, took to social media to shower the family matriarch with heartfelt tributes, celebrating her trailblazing legacy in Delray Beach, Florida, and her profound influence on their lives. This emotional outpouring, set against the backdrop of Coco’s clay-court campaign in Rome, underscores the deep familial bonds that fuel her success and activism.
Yvonne Lee Odom’s story is one of quiet heroism. As the first Black student to integrate Seacrest High School in Delray Beach during the Civil Rights era, she faced relentless racial discrimination, forging a path through adversity that would inspire generations. A Stage 4 lung cancer survivor and a teacher for over 45 years, Yvonne’s unfulfilled dreams of a college sports scholarship found new life in Coco, the world No. 3 and 2023 US Open champion. “She’s probably the sole or one of the main reasons why I use my platform the way that I do,” Coco has said, crediting her grandmother’s activism for her own vocal stance on issues like racial justice and equality. Whether speaking out against anti-LGBTQ laws in Florida or addressing a Black Lives Matter rally, Coco draws courage from Yvonne’s example, noting, “For her to go through what she did during that time [makes me think that] putting out a tweet or saying a speech is so easy compared to that.”
Candi kicked off the birthday celebrations with vibrant Instagram Stories, sharing photos that captured Yvonne’s radiant spirit. One image showed the mother-daughter duo beaming in matching purple outfits, while another featured Yvonne proudly holding an award, a testament to her community leadership. “Guess what? It’s my mom’s birthday! Yvonne Odom. Let’s wish my mom a happy birthday,” Candi wrote, her words brimming with pride and warmth. Coco followed suit, posting a collage of four photos—three capturing tender moments with her grandmother and one showcasing Yvonne in a stunning purple dress. “Happy birthday to my beautiful grandmother, thank you for helping to shape me to the woman I am today, I love you @yvonne.odom,” Coco captioned, her message a blend of gratitude and love.
Yvonne’s influence extends beyond Coco’s activism to her professional endeavors. Last month, she starred in a promotional video for Coco’s third New Balance signature shoe, the ‘Coco Delray,’ a tribute to their hometown. Coco expressed her gratitude, writing, “Thank you to my grandma for starring in this @yvonne.odom.” The launch, celebrated at Pompey Park where Coco honed her skills as a child, was a full-circle moment, with Candi lauding both her daughter and mother for their roles. “This community means a lot to me,” Coco said, reflecting on Delray Beach’s impact. “I want to show the world the importance of this community and uplifting those around me because they helped uplift me to be here.”
On the court, Coco’s Rome campaign mirrors her grandmother’s tenacity. After a first-round bye, she battled past Victoria Mboko in three sets and secured a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Magda Linette to reach the fourth round, where she now faces Emma Raducanu in a clash of US Open champions. Off the court, Yvonne’s legacy continues to resonate. Her presence at last year’s Billie Jean King Cup and her recognition by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women highlight her enduring impact. Candi, ever the proud daughter, has called Yvonne a source of “sunshine,” a sentiment echoed in her Mother’s Day tribute: “You are LIVING your BEST life. Keep smiling and bringing sunshine!”
As Coco competes in Rome, her grandmother’s 75th birthday serves as a reminder of the values—kindness, courage, and resilience—that drive her. “She always taught me to approach every situation with kindness and understanding,” Coco said after her 2023 US Open win. With the French Open on the horizon, Coco carries Yvonne’s legacy forward, not just in her forehand but in her fearless voice, proving that greatness is as much about heart as it is about talent.
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