Coco Gauff, the dynamic young tennis star, has often shared glimpses of her personal life, especially the close bond she shares with her grandparents. Just a few days ago, she posted a heartwarming selfie with her grandfather, Eddie ‘Red’ Odom, a figure who maintains a low profile online. Gauff simply captioned the photo, “Granddad,” highlighting the genuine and loving relationship they share. Alongside this touching image, she also gave her fans a peek into her Thanksgiving preparations, adding a personal touch to the holiday season. This family-oriented moment came shortly after another special outing: a seafood date with her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom. These interactions go beyond mere family visits; they reflect a deeper story of legacy, resilience, and inspiration.
The Extraordinary Story of Yvonne Lee Odom
Coco Gauff’s grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, stands as a symbol of strength and determination. In 1961, during a time when racial segregation and prejudice were rampant in the United States, Yvonne broke barriers by becoming the first Black student to integrate Delray Beach’s Seacrest High School. Her journey was far from easy. She faced hostility and discrimination from both students and faculty. White pupils refused to share a bus with her, and teachers imposed humiliating restrictions, such as banning her from using the same restrooms as her white peers. Despite excelling as a sprinter and serving as the captain of her previous school’s basketball team, Yvonne was denied the opportunity to compete at Seacrest due to her race.
This injustice shattered her dream of earning a college sports scholarship, but it did not break her spirit. Instead, she channelled her unfulfilled ambitions into nurturing future generations, particularly her granddaughter, Coco. Today, Yvonne Lee Odom’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the battles still being fought. Her resilience has become a guiding light for Coco, who often credits her grandparents for shaping her worldview and fortitude.
A Family’s Legacy Recognized
Recently, Coco Gauff proudly shared that her grandparents had received the prestigious Community Lifetime Achievement Award. She posted a picture of them on her Instagram Story, captioned, “Community lifetime achievement award. No one more deserving @yvonne.odom. My grandparents >>>.” This recognition underscores their long-standing contributions to social justice and community service—a legacy that has clearly influenced Gauff’s own activism.
Coco’s Activism: A Reflection of Her Roots
Gauff has garnered a reputation not only for her prowess on the tennis court but also for her willingness to speak out on important social issues. She has been a vocal advocate against anti-LGBTQ laws in her home state of Florida and has participated in Black Lives Matter rallies, demanding racial justice and equality. This fearless approach to advocacy can be traced directly to the lessons imparted by her grandparents.
In an interview, Gauff once spoke candidly about how her grandmother’s experiences have inspired her: “She’s the sole, or one of the main, reasons why I use my platform the way that I do and why I feel so comfortable speaking out.” Reflecting on the challenges her grandmother faced, Gauff added, “For her to go through what she did during that time makes me think that putting out a tweet or giving a speech is so easy compared to that. That’s why I have no problem doing the things that I do. She always reminds me that I’m a person first instead of an athlete.”
Lessons from the Past, Fuel for the Future
During the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup, Gauff once again paid tribute to her grandparents, calling them a “true inspiration.” She acknowledged their impact on her values and career, saying, “Grandparents in general just mean a lot to me. I know a lot of you probably know what my grandmother or grandfather has done for this community regarding racial justice and equality.” These words highlight the deep respect and admiration she holds for their contributions, which continue to shape her identity both on and off the court.
Yvonne Lee Odom’s Pride in Coco’s Achievements
For her part, Yvonne Lee Odom has always believed in her granddaughter’s potential. Reflecting on Coco’s rapid rise in the tennis world, Yvonne once remarked, “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.” This faith has been well-placed. At just 20 years old, Gauff has already claimed nine career titles, including a memorable victory at the 2023 US Open, and has risen to the Top 3 in the WTA rankings.
Yvonne’s advice to her granddaughter is both simple and profound: “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 grandad said, ‘Never say die.’” These words encapsulate the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of Gauff’s career.
Looking Ahead: Gauff’s Future in Tennis
As the 2024 season approaches, Coco Gauff will undoubtedly carry the lessons and values instilled by her grandparents onto the global stage. She ended 2023 on a high note, becoming the youngest-ever flag bearer for the U.S. Olympic team and winning the prestigious WTA Finals. These milestones are just the beginning. With her talent, drive, and the unwavering support of her family, Gauff is poised to achieve even greater heights.
Will 2025 be the year she captures another Grand Slam title? If her journey so far is any indication, the answer lies not just in her skills on the court but in the strength and inspiration she draws from her extraordinary grandparents.
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