Coco Gauff, the tennis prodigy who has captivated the world with her blistering forehands and unyielding spirit, owes much of her meteoric ascent to her parents, Candi and Corey Gauff. Born on March 13, 2004, in Atlanta, Georgia, Coco has transformed from a wide-eyed child with a racket to a global superstar, clinching Grand Slam titles at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open. Behind her journey from Delray Beach, Florida, to the pinnacle of professional tennis are Candi and Corey, two former athletes who sacrificed their careers and reshaped their lives to nurture their daughter’s dreams. Their story is one of athletic lineage, unwavering commitment, and a family united by a shared vision of greatness.
Candi Gauff, born Candi Odom on November 30, 1970, in Delray Beach, Florida, was a force in her own right. A five-time Florida state champion in the heptathlon during her high school years, she earned a full scholarship to Florida State University, where her 1991 heptathlon performance remains etched in the school’s record books. Initially drawn to gymnastics, Candi pivoted to track and field when her parents declined to relocate for her training, a decision that honed her competitive spirit. “Track and field was a second love,” Candi once reflected. “Gymnastics was my first. But what overshadows everything is the love of competing.” After graduating, she pursued a career in education, but her life took a dramatic turn when Coco’s talent emerged. Candi left her teaching job to homeschool Coco, ensuring her daughter could balance academics with an intensive tennis schedule.
Corey Gauff, born August 16, 1971, also hails from Delray Beach and brought his own athletic pedigree to the family. A standout basketball player at Georgia State University, Corey’s dreams of a professional career didn’t materialize, leading him to a role as a healthcare executive. However, when Coco showed prodigious talent at age six, Corey made a bold choice inspired by Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena. With no prior tennis experience, he immersed himself in the sport, becoming Coco’s first coach. “I think it helps parents when they have played as high as college or even pro,” Corey told reporters. “You better understand the process, and so you don’t get too jittery about it. You kind of meet your kid where they are at.” His dedication led the family to relocate from Atlanta back to Delray Beach, where they lived with Candi’s parents to save money, turning their home into a springboard for Coco’s ambitions.
The Gauffs’ sacrifices were monumental. Moving to Florida provided access to elite training facilities, including the New Generation Tennis Academy, where Coco trained from age eight. Corey quit his job to coach full-time, while Candi’s homeschooling ensured Coco’s education didn’t falter. “We went from a single-income family to a no-income family,” Corey once joked, underscoring the financial gamble they took. Their belief in Coco was unwavering, sparked by moments like her relentless sprinting at age three during a cousin’s track practice. “The problem was she kept on running and kept on running,” Candi recalled, noting Coco’s early determination. By eight, Coco’s victory at the “Little Mo” nationals solidified their commitment, with Corey telling her, “You can do this,” a prophecy she initially doubted but later embraced.
Candi and Corey’s roles are distinct yet complementary. Corey, ever the strategist, still sends Coco scouting reports before matches, a practice she values even as her coaching team has evolved. “My dad is still sending me scouting reports for every match,” Coco said after her 2023 US Open triumph. “But my mom is more so just being mom.” Candi, a constant presence courtside, offers emotional stability, deliberately stepping back from coaching to avoid overwhelming Coco. “I try to back away on the court because too many voices can be a crowd,” Candi explained. Her viral celebratory dances, like the one after Coco’s 2019 Wimbledon win over Venus Williams, have endeared her to fans, with Coco jokingly helping her mom achieve “meme status.”
The Gauffs’ athletic roots extend beyond themselves. Candi’s mother, Yvonne Lee Odom, was the first Black student to integrate Seacrest High School in Delray Beach in 1961, inspiring Coco’s activism. “If she can do that with such grace, I can do my part,” Coco said in 2020, addressing racial injustice. Her grandfather, Eddie “Red” Odom, founded the Delray Beach American Little League for Black youth, a legacy of community impact. Coco’s brothers, Codey and Cameron, also athletes, play baseball and multiple sports, respectively, and are her biggest cheerleaders. “My brothers are the reason why I do it,” Coco told reporters after her 2025 French Open win, crediting Codey’s confidence and Cameron’s joy.
Today, Candi and Corey, married since January 13, 2001, remain Coco’s rock, traveling with her to tournaments and celebrating milestones like her $27 million net worth. Their journey from Atlanta to Delray Beach, from careers to all-in support, mirrors Coco’s own grit. As Candi said after Coco’s 2025 French Open victory, “She never gave up, she fought to the end, and she allowed herself to hold up the trophy.” For the Gauffs, it’s not just about raising a champion—it’s about building a legacy of resilience, sacrifice, and love.
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