In the sunlit streets of Delray Beach, Florida, a tennis superstar is leaving a legacy that stretches far beyond the baselines and trophies she’s claimed. Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old phenom who’s already etched her name into Grand Slam history, has turned her gaze homeward with a generous $50,000 donation to the parks and recreation department of her beloved hometown. Announced on April 9, 2025—coincidentally aligning with her latest venture into the world of sneaker design—this gift isn’t just a check; it’s a heartfelt thank-you to the community that shaped her, a nod to the courts where her dreams took flight, and a promise to uplift the next generation of dreamers swinging rackets or shooting hoops.
Gauff’s story is one of roots and resilience. Born in Atlanta but raised in Delray Beach from the age of seven, she grew up honing her skills on the public courts of Pompey Park—a place she’s described as the heartbeat of her journey. “This community means a lot to me. I grew up playing on those courts, just me and my dad,” she once said, her voice carrying the weight of nostalgia. It was there, amidst the cracked pavement and the hum of neighborhood life, that her father, Corey, coached her relentlessly, turning a scrappy kid with a racket into a global icon. Now ranked No. 3 in the world, with a 2023 US Open singles title and a 2024 French Open doubles crown under her belt, Gauff is giving back to the very soil that nurtured her ascent.
The donation, made in partnership with General Mills as part of her collaboration with Wheaties—the iconic “Breakfast of Champions” brand—comes at a pivotal moment. Gauff’s face graces the cereal box, a surreal honor placing her alongside legends like Billie Jean King and her idol, Serena Williams. But it’s not just about cereal aisles or accolades. “I want to give back and give players, young kids, the opportunity to pursue whatever sport they want,” she explained, her words reflecting a deep-seated desire to ensure that the courts and fields of Delray Beach remain a launchpad for others. The $50,000 will bolster the city’s parks and recreation programs, offering resources for tennis, basketball, and beyond—sports that Gauff credits for shaping her as both an athlete and a person.
This act of generosity dovetails with another milestone: the launch of her latest New Balance sneaker, the Coco Delray. Unveiled on the same day as the donation announcement, the shoe is a love letter to her hometown, designed with accessibility in mind at $109.99—a stark contrast to the pricier models she wears on tour. Narrated by her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom—a revered figure in Delray Beach who taught in local schools for over 45 years—the campaign video paints a vivid picture of Gauff’s roots. “Delray Beach helped spark my tennis journey,” Gauff shared, her pride palpable. “It’s special to me to tell the story of this community that influenced exactly why I love this sport.” The timing feels serendipitous, intertwining her commercial success with a tangible investment in the place that raised her.
Gauff’s connection to Delray Beach runs deeper than nostalgia—it’s personal and familial. Her grandmother’s voice in the sneaker campaign echoes a legacy of community service, while her parents’ sacrifices—leaving careers to focus on her training—underscore the village that rallied around her. Pompey Park, where she spent countless hours, isn’t just a memory; it’s a symbol of opportunity. Last year, the USTA refurbished its courts in her honor after her US Open win, a project she called “very special” because it reflected support not just for her, but for others chasing their own dreams. Now, her donation amplifies that effort, ensuring kids today have the same shot she did.
At 21, Gauff is already the highest-paid female athlete of 2024, with a net worth bolstered by endorsements from New Balance, Head, and UPS. Yet, her actions reveal a maturity beyond her years. This isn’t her first foray into philanthropy—earlier in 2025, she donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund for tennis scholarships at HBCUs, a nod to her family’s deep ties to historically Black colleges. “As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving,” she said then, a sentiment that echoes in her latest gift to Delray Beach. Her drive to inspire transcends the court, blending athletic prowess with a quiet, powerful commitment to social good.
As Gauff prepares for the clay season, her donation stands as a testament to her belief in community as a catalyst. It’s a full-circle moment for a champion who once danced in the stands at the US Open as a child, dreaming of glory. Now, she’s not just winning titles—she’s building bridges, ensuring that the parks of Delray Beach remain a place where dreams can take root, just as hers did. With every dollar and every step, Coco Gauff is proving that greatness isn’t just measured in victories, but in the lives she lifts along the way.