Coco Gauff Honors Activist Grandparents During Black History Month

The tennis star celebrates her grandparents' civil rights achievements and carries on their legacy of using sports and education to uplift Black communities.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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World No. 4 tennis player Coco Gauff celebrated her grandparents, Yvonne Lee Odom and Eddie 'Red' Odom, for their civil rights activism and work uplifting Black children in the Delray Beach community, during Black History Month. Gauff has followed in their footsteps, using her platform to speak out on issues of diversity, equality, and social justice.

Why it matters

Gauff's reflections on her grandparents' legacy and her own activism highlight the important role athletes can play in driving progress and change, especially for marginalized communities. Her dual commitment to tennis excellence and social advocacy makes her one of the most influential figures in sports today.

The details

In a video shared by the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, Yvonne Odom recounted her husband Eddie's struggles after being omitted from an MLB roster, leading him to create a league for local children. Gauff proudly reposted the video on Instagram, honoring her grandparents' transformative work. Like her grandparents, Gauff has embraced activism beyond tennis, speaking out on issues of diversity and equality, and aiming to create change for underprivileged communities.

  • Gauff celebrated her grandparents during Black History Month in February 2026.
  • Gauff will compete at the Indian Wells tournament beginning March 2, 2026.

The players

Coco Gauff

A two-time Grand Slam champion and the current world no. 4 tennis player, who has consistently used her platform to highlight causes she believes in, reinforcing her role as both an athlete and a voice for progress.

Yvonne Lee Odom

Gauff's grandmother, who played a transformative role in the Delray Beach community, using sports and education to uplift Black children.

Eddie 'Red' Odom

Gauff's grandfather, who created a league for local children after being omitted from an MLB roster, as recounted by his wife Yvonne in a video shared by the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum.

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What they’re saying

“My grandparents ❤️.”

— Coco Gauff (Instagram)

“I don't think people should be dying in the streets just for existing. It is tough to wake up and see something because I do care a lot about our country. I think people think I don't for some reason, but I do. I'm very proud to be American.”

— Coco Gauff (Press conference)

“You don't have to represent the entire values of what's going on in the leadership. I think there's a lot of people around that believe in the things I believe in, believe in diversity and equality.”

— Coco Gauff (Press conference)

What’s next

Gauff will compete at the Indian Wells tournament beginning March 2, 2026, aiming to contend for the WTA 1000 title.

The takeaway

Gauff's reflections on her grandparents' legacy and her own activism highlight the important role athletes can play in driving progress and change, especially for marginalized communities. Her dual commitment to tennis excellence and social advocacy makes her one of the most influential figures in sports today.