Coco Gauff’s Grandmother Offers Cheeky Reminder as Their Family’s Legacy Comes Full Circle

As Coco Gauff continues to make history on the tennis court, her success is serving as a powerful reminder that greatness often runs deep within a family’s legacy. And no one is more aware of that than her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, who recently offered a lighthearted yet meaningful reminder: she was famous before Coco was.

The moment came during a heartwarming event in Delray Beach, Florida, where a vibrant portrait of Coco—crafted entirely out of Skittles by Haitian-American artist Harold Caudio—was unveiled in her honor. While the crowd gathered to celebrate Coco’s incredible rise, Odom stole the spotlight for a moment with a playful but poignant reflection.

“I always tell Coco, ‘I was famous before you were,’” she said with a smile, before adding,
“Talk about a full circle moment.”

Her words sparked laughter, but beneath the humor was a deep truth. Long before her granddaughter became a tennis superstar, Yvonne Lee Odom made her own mark in history. At just 15 years old, she became the first Black student to integrate Seacrest High School in Delray Beach during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Facing intense prejudice, isolation, and resistance, Odom broke racial barriers and paved the way for future generations—setting an example of courage that would echo through her family line.

That same courage is something Coco Gauff has carried with her on and off the court. Whether it’s rallying the crowd at the U.S. Open, using her platform to speak on social justice issues, or standing poised under pressure, Coco has consistently credited her grandmother for being one of her greatest inspirations.

“Putting out a tweet or making a speech is nothing compared to what she did,” Gauff once said, reflecting on Odom’s bravery and resilience. “Her story reminds me why I can’t take my voice for granted.”

Now, with Gauff’s growing list of titles and rising global influence, their family’s legacy feels more relevant than ever. From the segregated classrooms of the 1960s to center court at Roland Garros, the journey from Yvonne to Coco is more than just generational—it’s transformational.

And yet, Odom’s reminder isn’t simply a boast. It’s a reflection of how history is passed on, not through trophies, but through values: resilience, grace, and the quiet power of doing what’s right even when it’s hard. Her pride in Coco is matched only by the clarity with which she sees their intertwined stories.

As the family continues to inspire new generations—whether through sports, activism, or simply being visible symbols of strength—one thing is clear: Coco Gauff may be the face of the moment, but her grandmother’s legacy is the foundation upon which it all stands.

And with a Skittles portrait and a cheeky grin, Yvonne Lee Odom reminded the world that behind every trailblazer is often another who broke the ground first.