When Coco Gauff won the 2025 French Open, it was more than just a victory — it was a powerful message to the world. That message is with faith in GOD works and self-determination nothing is impossible including becoming who GOD created you and purpose you to be.
In a thrilling comeback, 21-year-old Gauff defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4. But while headlines highlight the stats and the world sees a tennis star, as believers, we celebrate something deeper. Coco is a young woman unashamed to walk boldly in her GOD-given calling openly allowing GOD to use her for His Glory on all major and small platforms.
As a woman who is humble, but confident in her skill, Coco Gauff often says her success isn’t just the result of practice, it’s the fruit of prayer, belief, and purpose. She is vocal and not ashamed about her faith in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, she has never hidden that she prays before matches—not for victory, but for strength and peace.
“I don’t pray for results,” she once said. “I pray that I play to the best of my ability and to represent GOD well.”
Coco’s victory shows what happens when GOD’S gifts are paired with discipline, humility, and trust. Coco is a living testimony. Her class, status, and attitude remind all people that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, and they don’t have to reduce who they are to fit in society’s status quote or bubble.
Coco Gauff inspires little African American girls who see themselves in her. But her light shines far beyond race, culture, and nationality. She is a global reminder that you can glorify GOD while chasing your dreams. Furthermore, not only does her light shine because she honors GOD with her gifts, but she honors those who GOD placed in her life to help coach and instill dedication, hope, and faith in her from her parents to siblings, coaches, and others that are a part of her village.
Moreover, in a time when many hide their faith for fear of criticism, Gauff stands firm. Her life echoes Psalm 37:4 — “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
As we rejoice with Coco, her family, fans, and supporters, may we also reflect on our own callings. What has GOD placed in your heart for you to do? What gifts are you hiding? Let Coco Gauff’s story remind you that with GOD, all things are possible. Her racket may have brought the title home, but it was her faith that carried her there.
Coco, thank you for never allowing the weight of the world or people’s opinions to diminish who you are as a child of GOD as well as the confidence you have. Thank you for standing and becoming who GOD created you to be. Thank you for being a light of inspiration to people around the world. People will never meet you but seeing you on TV or social media will have the strength and courage to place their faith in GOD and pursue their GOD-given dreams. Keep chasing GOD and pursuing your dreams. Continue to break limitations, because in GOD there are no limitations. In the words of my spiritual father and grandpa, “GOD created you more possible than any challenges that you may face or go through.”
Leticia Starks-Underwood
Leticia Starks-Underwood is an educator, mentor, student, author, and publisher. She holds a B.A. in Biblical Literature from Taylor University Upland, a Master’s and Doctorate in Christian Education from Cornerstone Bible College, Intl, where Dr. Oscar Nelson Dowdell-Underwood is the founder and President in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She also holds several Certificates from Cornerstone Bible College, International. She holds a certificate in Book Publishing from IAP Career College. She currently serves as an educator at Cornerstone Christian College Prep Day and High School International, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is the Founder of You Can Make It Inspiration Online and Print Magazine. She also published several books, which includes “You Can Make It: Hope on The Journey of Motherhood” and “The J and J Royal Kids Collection.” She also serves as a contributing writer for BlackNews.UK. Leticia is dedicated to spreading hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ through her life and her works to others.