In the vibrant world of sports, the Gauff family continues to shine, with athletic prowess running deep in their veins. While Coco Gauff, the World No. 3 tennis star, commands global attention with her nine WTA singles titles and 2023 US Open crown, her younger brother Codey is carving his own path in baseball, catching the eye of scouts and his family alike. Candi Gauff, the proud mother of this sporting dynasty, recently took to social media to celebrate Codey’s latest strides as a catcher for the San Diego Padres’ scout team. Her heartfelt support, shared via an Instagram story with three heart emojis, underscores the family’s unwavering encouragement as the 17-year-old hones his skills with aspirations of a professional career.
Codey, a high school standout in the class of 2026, has been making waves in baseball, a sport he embraced after dabbling in football and basketball. His commitment to the University of Missouri’s NCAA Division 1 baseball team, the Missouri Tigers, for the 2026 season marks a significant milestone. A right-handed switch-hitter, Codey’s versatility and dedication were on full display during his recent appearance with the Padres’ scout team at the 2024 16U NC Champs, where he helped secure a victory in his debut. Candi’s pride was palpable when she reposted a reel from Elite Squad Baseball, showcasing Codey’s catching drills. “Keep it Up ❤️❤️❤️,” she captioned an earlier post in July 2024, celebrating his Padres appearance, a sentiment echoed in her latest social media shoutout.
The Gauff family’s athletic legacy is no accident. Candi, a former heptathlete and hurdler at Florida State University, and Corey, a college basketball player at Georgia State University, instilled a passion for sports in their three children: Coco, Codey, and 11-year-old Cameron, who balances football and tennis. “Coco chose what she wanted to do very early on. Codey played football for a little bit and some basketball, kind of arriving at baseball a little bit later in life than Coco did with tennis, but they both worked really hard growing up,” Corey shared in a June 2024 interview. He emphasized the family’s focus on academics alongside athletics, noting, “It’s been good to see them grow up and compete in the sports that they love while also keeping their academics first.” This balance has fueled Codey’s rise, earning him a spot among Baseball Generations’ top 100 prospects for 2026 and an invitation to the prestigious DREAM Series hosted by MLB and USA Baseball.
Candi’s role as the family’s emotional anchor is evident in her consistent support. After Codey’s commitment to Missouri, she posted, “Shout out to my son Codey!!! He has made a commitment to The University of Missouri.. Mizzou baseball on deck… Fall 2026 loading. SEC baseball,” her words brimming with excitement. Coco, too, celebrated her brother’s milestone, commenting, “So proud of you codey!” on his announcement post. Despite their busy schedules, the siblings share a close bond, though Coco humorously noted during the 2024 French Open that Codey often ignores her calls, texting brief messages like “Good win jit” after her matches. “Codey is more of the chill. We know he loves us,” she said, highlighting his laid-back yet supportive nature.
Codey’s journey gained further spotlight at the Minority Baseball Prospects Futures All-American Game in September 2024, where he stood out among the top 2026 prospects. Candi reshared a post featuring Codey, reinforcing her role as his biggest cheerleader. “Congratulations!!! ❤️❤️❤️,” she wrote, echoing the pride she and Corey expressed when Codey earned a spot in this elite showcase, attended by 80 scouts. The event, a platform for young talent to learn from former pros like Cliff Floyd and Chris Young, underscored Codey’s potential as a future star. His training with Elite Squad Baseball Academy, which allows homeschooling to prioritize sports, has sharpened his skills, particularly as a catcher, a position demanding both athleticism and strategy.
As Coco prepares for the WTA’s Qatar swing starting February 9, 2025, following a challenging Australian Open quarterfinal exit, the Gauff family’s support system remains a cornerstone of their success. Candi, who has been by Coco’s side since she turned pro at 14, continues to provide emotional stability. “It’s great to have my mom. She’s my biggest fan for sure,” Coco said after her 2024 China Open victory. For Codey, Candi’s social media tributes—from celebrating his top-100 prospect ranking to his Missouri commitment—reflect a mother’s pride in a son chasing his dreams. With the Gauff siblings excelling in their respective arenas, Candi and Corey’s guidance is shaping a sporting legacy that could see Codey join Coco as a professional star, carrying the family’s athletic torch forward.
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