Oregon vet left $150K job to soft-retire; relief work now pays twice as much

When people talk about Coco Gauff today, they see a Grand Slam champion, an Olympic flag bearer for Team USA, and one of the biggest stars in tennis. But long before the trophies and worldwide fame, there was a little girl with a dream and two parents who believed in it without hesitation. Corey and Candi Gauff changed their own lives so their daughter could chase tennis full-time, even when there were no guarantees. Years later, that faith helped Coco reach the top of the sport, making her story about much more than winning titles.How did Coco Gauff’s parents help build her tennis dream?Coco Gauff’s journey began in Delray Beach, Florida, where she grew up in a family that loved sports. Her father, Corey Gauff, played college basketball, while her mother, Candi Gauff, competed in track and field before becoming a teacher.As Coco’s talent became impossible to ignore, her parents made a life-changing decision. Corey left his healthcare job so he could coach his daughter full-time. At the same time, Candi stepped away from teaching to homeschool Coco and manage her education around training and tournaments.It was a huge gamble. The family had to live on one income while spending time and money traveling across the United States for junior events. Even during difficult moments, her parents never stopped believing she could achieve something special.Looking back on those early years, Coco has often said their confidence gave her the courage to keep going.“My dad told me I could do it when I was eight years old. Obviously, you’re never 100% sure, but my parents believed in me from the start. That belief meant everything when I was growing up.”For Coco, those words became a foundation she carried with her as the competition became tougher and the expectations grew bigger.How did Coco Gauff handle fame after her Wimbledon breakthrough?Everything changed in 2019 when a 15-year-old Coco arrived at Wimbledon.After earning a wild card into qualifying, she won her way into the main draw before facing five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the first round. Beating one of her childhood heroes instantly made her one of the biggest stories in world tennis.The sudden attention also brought enormous pressure. Every tournament came with questions about whether she could become the next great American champion.During that period, her family made sure tennis never became the only thing that defined her. Her mother regularly reminded her to separate the player from the person.Speaking about those conversations, Coco said:“My mom always tells me to just be Coco. She reminds me that tennis is just a game, and it doesn’t define who I am as a person. Having that perspective from my family keeps me sane.”That advice helped her stay grounded through both victories and disappointing defeats. Instead of trying to live up to outside expectations, she focused on improving one match at a time while keeping her family close.Why was Coco Gauff’s 2023 US Open victory so emotional?The family’s years of sacrifice came together in September 2023 at the US Open.Playing in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, 19-year-old Coco fought back after losing the opening set to defeat Aryna Sabalenka and win her first Grand Slam singles title.The final point brought an emotional celebration. Coco dropped to the court before running into the stands to hug her parents, who were both in tears after watching the dream they had shared for years become reality.During the trophy ceremony, she made sure the spotlight also belonged to the people who had stood beside her from the beginning.“Thank you to my parents. Today was the first time I ever saw my dad cry. He doesn’t want me to tell you that, but he did! He supported me from day one. My mom, she’s been my rock through everything. I’m just so grateful for them.”She also had a message for the critics who doubted whether she would reach the top of the game.“To those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it. Now I’m burning so bright.”Those words reflected years of hard work, setbacks and determination that led to one unforgettable night in New York.Why does Coco Gauff’s story inspire people beyond tennis?Coco Gauff’s success is often measured through her titles, rankings and achievements. Yet many people connect with her story because of what happened away from the tennis court.Her parents gave up stable careers so she could chase a dream. They supported her during uncertain years, protected her from outside pressure and reminded her that her value would never depend on winning matches.Coco has never forgotten those sacrifices. Whether speaking after major victories or reflecting on her childhood, she continues to credit her family for helping shape both the athlete and the person she has become.Her journey also shows that belief at home can change a young person’s future. Talent opened the first door, but the trust, patience and commitment shown by her family helped her keep moving forward when the road became difficult.Today, as one of the leading faces of women’s tennis, Coco continues to inspire young athletes who dream of following a similar path. Her story is proof that behind many great champions is a family willing to make difficult choices, stand by them through every challenge and keep believing long before the rest of the world does.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.