Coco Gauff’s Parents: From Humble Beginnings to Tennis Royalty

Cori “Coco” Gauff, the American tennis sensation, wouldn’t be where she is today without the unwavering support and sacrifices of her parents, Candi and Corey Gauff. Their journey from modest means to raising a tennis superstar is a testament to their dedication, belief in their daughter’s potential, and willingness to make “no-regret moves” to help her achieve her dreams.

Meet Candi and Corey Gauff

Coco Gauff’s parents, Candi (née Odom) and Corey Gauff, are both from Delray Beach, Florida. They tied the knot on January 13, 2001, and have been married for over two decades.

Both Candi and Corey were athletes themselves:

• Corey Gauff: Played basketball at Georgia State University.
• Candi Gauff: Was a track and field athlete at Florida State University, where her 1991 heptathlon performance is still considered one of the best in the university’s history. She was also a five-time Florida state champion in the heptathlon during high school.

They have two other children besides Coco:

• Codey: Born on September 21, 2007, plays competitive baseball.
• Cameron: Born on June 5, 2013.

Sacrifices for Coco’s Dream

Recognizing Coco’s talent and potential early on, Candi and Corey made significant sacrifices to support her tennis career. They quit their jobs and moved back to their hometown of Delray Beach, Florida, to provide Coco with better training opportunities.

• Candi: Left her job as a teacher to homeschool Coco. The family initially moved in with Candi’s parents to save money.
• Corey: Transitioned from his role as a healthcare executive to become Coco’s primary coach. He had limited experience playing tennis growing up but quickly learned to guide his daughter’s development.

Corey told the New York Times that his and Candi’s athletic backgrounds helped them raise ambitious and disciplined children. “I think it helps parents when they have played as high as college or even pro,” he said. “You better understand the process, and so you don’t get too jittery about it. You don’t feel like you’re running out of time, so you are not rushed. You kind of meet your kid where they are at.”

Coco has often expressed her gratitude for her parents’ sacrifices. When she won the Cincinnati Open in 2023, she said, “The biggest thank you to my parents. My mom, I love you so much for being my emotional support. My dad… he’s the reason I’m here. The reason I play tennis. He’s the reason I believe I can do this.”

Roles in Coco’s Career

Candi and Corey have played distinct but crucial roles in Coco’s tennis journey:

• Corey: Served as Coco’s primary coach in the early years, instilling in her a passion for the sport. Even though he’s no longer her main coach, he still provides scouting reports and support.
• Candi: Has been Coco’s emotional support system, ensuring she remains grounded and focused.

Coco once said, “My parents, they’re really my support system, helping me remember my clothes and everything. My dad is still sending me scouting reports every match. My mom is more so just being mom. My dad just being dad.”

A Supportive Family

The Gauff family is known for their close-knit bond and unwavering support for each other. Coco’s brothers, Codey and Cameron, are also passionate about sports and are always cheering her on.

Coco’s maternal grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, was the first Black student to integrate her high school. Coco credits her grandmother as the reason why she uses her platform to speak out.

Where are they now?

As of June 2025, Candi and Corey continue to be Coco’s biggest supporters, often seen in her player’s box at tournaments. However, Corey sometimes gets too nervous to sit in the box and prefers to walk around the stadium during matches.

Coco, now a two-time Grand Slam champion (2023 US Open and 2025 French Open), remains close to her family and lives at home in Delray Beach, Florida. She is in no rush to move out, cherishing the time she spends with her loved ones. “I don’t have a timeline on that,” she shared with Time. “I always say it’ll happen in my 20s at some point.”

From “No-Income Family” to Millionaires

The Gauff family’s journey is an inspiring story of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in their daughter’s potential. Candi and Corey Gauff’s decision to leave their careers and dedicate themselves to Coco’s tennis aspirations has paid off immensely, transforming them from what they once described as a “no-income family” to the parents of a millionaire tennis star.

Coco Gauff’s success is not only a result of her talent and hard work but also a testament to the unwavering support and guidance of her parents, Candi and Corey Gauff. They have been her rocks, her coaches, and her biggest fans, helping her navigate the challenges of the tennis world and achieve her dreams. Their story is a reminder that with love, dedication, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.