In a heartwarming and inspiring turn of events, tennis superstar Coco Gauff and her mother, Candi Gauff, have launched a nationwide initiative to support and inspire underprivileged children living in rural areas across the United States. Titled “Dream Serve Project,” the campaign focuses on building hope through education, sports, and creativity — and has already captured the admiration of millions.

At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has taken the tennis world by storm, winning Grand Slams and becoming a global ambassador for youth empowerment. But her most meaningful serve yet might not have happened on the court — it happened in small-town schools, community centers, and dirt-road neighborhoods far from the global spotlight.
A Mission Born from the Heart
According to Coco, the idea for the Dream Serve Project started during a quiet conversation with her mother during the off-season.
“We were talking about my childhood and how important my mother’s support was,” Coco said in a heartfelt interview. “We realized there are so many kids out there who have dreams, but lack the resources and encouragement. That’s when we said — let’s do something.”
Together, the mother-daughter duo began visiting rural schools across Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas — bringing along tennis equipment, school supplies, and a team of volunteers. But they didn’t stop there. In every town, they sat down with children and asked them to draw their biggest dreams.
From future astronauts and scientists to aspiring artists and professional athletes, the results were both touching and inspiring. Each drawing was carefully collected, displayed in mobile galleries, and shared online with the world under the campaign’s hashtag: #DreamServe2025.
From Courts to Classrooms
Coco and her mother made it their mission to connect sports with education, using tennis as a gateway to teach children about discipline, confidence, and self-belief. Every visit includes a short tennis clinic, storytelling sessions about Coco’s journey, and motivational talks from Candi — a former track athlete and educator herself.
“I want these children to know that their dreams are valid,” said Candi Gauff. “Whether they want to be doctors, dancers, or designers — it starts with believing that someone sees their potential.”
In many towns, Coco and Candi also donated portable tennis courts, books, sportswear, and laptops — offering lasting resources that communities can use long after their visit.
Impact That Echoes Nationwide
The response from the public has been overwhelming. Within weeks, the hashtag #DreamServe2025 began trending, with celebrities, athletes, and everyday people sharing messages of support. A GoFundMe page set up by fans has already raised over $2 million, with donors expressing their gratitude and admiration for the Gauff family.
“This is what leadership looks like,” tweeted NBA star Steph Curry. “Coco and her mom are planting real seeds.”
Social media is now flooded with images of children holding their dream drawings beside Coco, smiles lighting up their faces.
One particularly viral moment came from a visit to rural Alabama, where an 8-year-old girl named Layla shyly presented her dream drawing to Coco. “I want to build a place where kids can play, be safe, and be happy,” she said. Coco later posted the picture, adding, “Layla, I believe in you. We all do.”
A Legacy Beyond Trophies
Though Coco Gauff is still in the early stages of what promises to be a legendary tennis career, many believe her off-court impact could be even more significant. Her blend of humility, passion, and activism is earning her admiration not just as an athlete, but as a role model for an entire generation.
“I’ve always believed that my purpose is bigger than tennis,” she told CNN. “I’m here to use my platform to make life better for others — especially for kids who feel forgotten.”
Candi Gauff echoes that sentiment: “We may not reach every child in the country, but if we can light a spark in just one classroom, it’s worth it.”
What’s Next?
The Gauffs plan to continue the Dream Serve Project throughout 2025 and into 2026, expanding into Native American reservations, low-income farming communities in California’s Central Valley, and eventually reaching international villages in the Caribbean.
They are also working on compiling the children’s drawings and stories into a book titled “Dream Serve: The Future Draws Back”, with proceeds going directly to community programs.
Final Words
In a time often dominated by headlines of conflict and division, the story of Coco and Candi Gauff shines as a beacon of love, hope, and action. With every racket swung, every story shared, and every child inspired, they are proving that the most powerful victories don’t always come with trophies — sometimes, they come with a smile, a dream, and the belief that anything is possible.