When news broke of the devastating floods that swept through parts of Texas—claiming 51 lives, including 27 young girls who vanished when the waters engulfed their summer camp—millions were left in shock. But for tennis star Coco Gauff, it was more than a tragedy. It was personal.
Known for her fire on the court and compassion off it, the 21-year-old US Open champion was visibly emotional when reporters approached her after the heartbreaking news surfaced.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Gauff later wrote in a statement. “Those girls… they were just having fun, being kids. That could’ve been me, my sister, my friends.”
Within hours, Gauff made headlines of her own—not for tennis, but for stepping up in an extraordinary act of kindness.
More Than Just a Donation
Gauff donated $300,000 from her personal savings to a dedicated relief fund aiding the families affected by the floods. But she didn’t stop there. She also announced that 100% of the proceeds from her debut single “Texas,” set to release later this month, will be directed toward rebuilding efforts and trauma recovery services for flood survivors.
“Money helps, but healing takes time and community,” she said. “This is my way of standing with them.”
However, what truly touched the nation’s heart wasn’t her donation—or even the music. It was 27 handwritten letters.
A Letter for Every Family
Quietly, without any media fanfare, Coco Gauff sat down and wrote a personal letter to each of the 27 families whose daughters are still unaccounted for. Written in her own handwriting, the letters shared her sorrow, her prayers, and her unwavering support.
One grieving parent, who chose to remain anonymous, shared part of the letter on social media:
“I’m so sorry for your unimaginable pain. Please know that your daughter’s life mattered, and her story won’t be forgotten. I carry her spirit with me every time I step on court. — Love, Coco”
The image of the letter quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of emotion across social platforms. The hashtags #LettersFromCoco and #TexasStrong began trending within hours.
A Nation Responds
Fans and fellow athletes praised Gauff’s sincerity. Serena Williams reposted the letter, writing:
“This is what real leadership looks like. Coco, you are a light.”
Even Texas Governor Lila Ramirez commented:
“Coco Gauff may be a tennis star, but today she showed she’s something even more powerful — a symbol of hope.”
As rescue and recovery operations continue in the flood-ravaged regions of Texas, one thing is certain: Coco Gauff’s compassion has reached far beyond the tennis court, offering solace in the midst of devastation.
Her new single “Texas” is set to drop July 15th, with a music video featuring footage of the affected communities and a call to action for continued support.