Coco Gauff, a tennis star known for her fierce competition on the court, is also a devoted granddaughter off it. Recently, she celebrated the 75th birthday of her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, alongside her mother, Candi. The family shared their love and admiration for Yvonne, remembering her remarkable legacy and the challenges she overcame as a trailblazer in Delray Beach.
Yvonne was the first Black student at Seacrest High School in Delray Beach, where she faced significant racism and adversity. Although she couldn’t fulfill her dream of earning a college athletic scholarship, her hopes were revived through her granddaughter, Coco. Coco credits much of her strength and determination to the example set by her pioneering grandmother.
Candi marked the occasion with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing personal messages and photos of happy memories. Coco also expressed her deep love and appreciation for Yvonne on social media, acknowledging the crucial role her grandmother played in shaping who she is today.
Yvonne’s influence extends to Coco’s professional life as well. As Coco prepares to launch her new signature shoe with New Balance, her grandmother appears in a promotional video that highlights their strong bond and the inspiration they draw from their shared hometown of Delray Beach.
Beyond her tennis career, Coco has shown remarkable courage in advocating for social justice and equality. She attributes much of her empathy, kindness, and willingness to speak out against injustice to the values instilled by her grandmother.
As Coco heads into a competitive season in Rome, her grandmother’s wisdom and strength continue to guide her. The question remains: Will Coco claim her first title of the season and offer it as the perfect birthday gift to the woman who has been a constant source of inspiration throughout her journey?
