Coco Gauff’s Parents: Meet Candi and Corey Gauff and Family

Cori “Coco” Gauff, born March 13, 2004, in Atlanta, Georgia, has become one of the brightest stars in tennis. Behind her success stands a dedicated family deeply rooted in athletic tradition

Her parents Candi Gauff (née Odom) and Corey Gauff, both former collegiate athletes, made bold life choices and sacrifices to nurture their daughter’s potential.

This article explores their background, how they shaped Coco’s journey, and their ongoing role in her rise to global tennis stardom.

Also Read: Michael Mmoh’s Wedding to Klara Mrcela: Well Wishes from Frances Tiafoe, Coco Gauff, and Tommy Paul

Who Are Coco Gauff’s Parents?

Candi Gauff (née Odom)

• Hometown: Delray Beach, Florida¹

• Parents: Eddie “Red” Odom and Yvonne Lee Odom

  • Eddie played college football and minor league baseball, later founding a Little League program for Black children in Delray Beach.

  • Yvonne Lee Odom made history as the first Black student to integrate her high school. Coco credits her grandmother’s courage as a major inspiration in her own life.

• Athletic background:

  • Participated in gymnastics and track and field.

  • Attended Florida State University, excelling in heptathlon. One of her scores remains among the best in FSU’s history.²

fun two weeks here in Montreal, glad I got to leave here with another one for the cabinet #10dubs 🩷 thank you McCartney playing with me and for being so clutch haha & thank you guys for the support #CoKart 🏎️ pic.twitter.com/TmLNnAOijL

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) August 7, 2025

Corey Gauff

• Hometown / Background:

  • Hails from Delray Beach but played college basketball at Georgia State University.

• Athleticism:

  • Although his sport wasn’t track and field, his collegiate basketball experience gave him valuable insight into athletic discipline and development strategies. ³

Family Life & Early Decisions for Coco

Marriage and Partnership

• Married on January 13, 2001.

• As of 2024, they had been married for over 20 years. By 2025, that record approaches 24 years.

Raising Three Children

• The couple have three children:

  1. Cori “Coco” Gauff (born March 13, 2004 in Atlanta)⁴

  2. Codey Gauff (born 2007)

  3. Cameron Gauff (born 2013)

All children were raised in Delray Beach, Florida, after the family relocated when Coco was still very young—primarily to give her better tennis opportunities.

Bold Life Choices for Coco’s Development

• When Coco was in second grade, Candi left her teaching job to homeschool Coco, and the family moved in with her parents to save money and provide support.

• Corey shifted from his role as a healthcare executive to become Coco’s full-time coach, describing the change from a “single-income family” to a “no-income family.”

• The parents’ own athletic backgrounds helped them better navigate the pressures of elite youth sport. As Corey put it, their insight from playing at the college level helped them “not get too jittery” and to meet their child where she truly was.

Also Read: Coco Gauff: Who Is She? Personal Life, Bio, Wiki, Family, Career, Height, Weight and Photoshoot

Athletic Legacy in the Family

A Family of Athletes

• Coco’s athletic talents likely reflect her parents’ own skills and upbringing. ⁵

• Her younger brothers followed suit:

  • Codey committed to baseball and plans to play at Mizzou University starting in 2025.

  • Cameron, the youngest, enjoys several sports as well as art. In 2023 he even helped design one of Coco’s New Balance sneaker models.

• The siblings maintain a tight bond and often cheer each other on, especially visible during Coco’s major-grand slams. Coco often credits her brothers for their inspiration and support.

Impact and Ongoing Role in Coco’s Career

On-the-Road Support and Emotion

• Corey and Candi have been ever-present figures at Coco’s matches, often seen together at major finals. For instance, her parents were by her side during her 2025 French Open win.⁶

Adapting Support as Coco Matures

• In 2023, Coco asked her father to step back from being her primary coach, which she said helped their relationship and her development.

• She also sought more of a maternal presence in her team, requesting her mother attend more tournaments.

Reflecting on Their Approach

• Their combined support—with Candi offering emotional presence and both parents having athletic insight—provided a uniquely balanced and grounded nurturing environment for a rising star.⁷

Coco Gauff at a Glance

FAQ’s About Coco Gauff

1. Who are Coco Gauff’s parents?

Coco Gauff’s parents are Candi Gauff (née Odom), an athlete who competed in gymnastics and track—especially the heptathlon—at Florida State University, and Corey Gauff, who played college basketball at Georgia State University. ⁸

2. Did either parent play professional sports?

No, neither played professionally. Both participated at the collegiate level and used their experience to support Coco’s athletic development.⁹

3. What sacrifices did they make for Coco’s tennis career?

They ghosted their routine life:

• Moved from Atlanta to Delray Beach.

• Candi quit teaching jobs to homeschool Coco.

• Corey left his executive career to become her head coach—creating a significant financial and lifestyle shift. ¹⁰

4. Who are Coco’s siblings?

She has two younger brothers:

• Codey Gauff (b. 2007), focusing on baseball—planning to attend Mizzou in 2025.

• Cameron Gauff (b. 2013), involved in sports and art; helped design a Coco sneaker in 2023.

5. How are the parents involved in Coco’s career now?

They continue to offer vital emotional and occasional coaching support. In 2023, Corey stepped back as primary coach, creating a more balanced dynamic. Coco also requested her mother play a stronger presence at tournaments.

6. How important is their athletic background in her development?

Very important. Their firsthand understanding of training, pressure, and competition helped them stay grounded and supportive without becoming overwhelmed. Corey said that having played in college meant they “don’t get too jittery.”

 

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Conclusion

Coco Gauff’s meteoric rise in tennis is a story of talent meeting unwavering family support.

Candi and Corey Gauff traded stability for opportunity— uprooting their lives, altering careers, and offering emotional and strategic guidance rooted in their own athletic experiences.

Their heritage—athletic talent, a legacy of breaking barriers, and creative perseverance—shapes not just Coco’s tennis, but her character and values.

As she continues to shine, her family remains her constant anchor, inspiring millions along the way.

Also Read: Coco Gauff Shares Emotions Following Defeat to Emma Navarro at US Open 2024

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