Lifestyle/Culture - Sponsored - Microsoft Teams
Tracking the Future of Tennis Rising tennis star Coco Gauff is using revolutionary technology to take her game to the next level—and get a competitive edge on the court. COCO GAUFF MADE HISTORY as a 15-yearold player who took tennis by storm after defeating Venus Williams in straight sets at Wimbledon in 2019. Known for her incredible serve, the teenager’s career has now reached its own break point—a transition from watching her childhood idols to actually beating them on the court. Now, with the help of technology and data analytics, she’s taking her game to the next level as she grows into her role as one of the sport’s fastest rising stars. Elevating the game for everyone As a professional tennis player and full-time remote student, Coco saw firsthand the ways that technology could benefit education. While completing classes alongside her rigorous training schedule, she was inspired to provide some of the same tools to students in Delray Beach, where she and her parents grew up. “This community has given me a lot, so it’s definitely important to give back,” she says. Teaming up with Microsoft, Coco is helping to refresh the main computer lab and build two additional labs in Palm Beach County’s Achievement Centers for Children and Families (ACCF) with the donation of new devices— ensuring that their students will have updated technology available to pursue their own dreams. Due to COVID-19 limitations, Coco used Microsoft Teams to surprise the kids from ACCF with a special event. During the event, Coco helped students complete the new Space Jam: A New Legacy coding workshop, where they learned about game design. The kids were also able to ask Coco questions to learn more about the rising star from their community, including how she became a professional tennis player and what
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her favorite subject is in school. “Maybe this can give a kid the opportunity to find their own passions,” Coco said before offering advice to the students. “Make your dreams as big as possible, because you never know how far they will go.” The hustle never stops It takes a team effort from Coco’s entire family to help keep her on top of a demanding six-day-aweek schedule. Coco spends two sessions a day at the tennis courts with her father, who happens to be her coach, too. There, she practices her swing and works on repetitive hitting skills to keep an upper hand on her game. A woman playing tennis on a court with graphic overlays over the court. Her daily routine also includes strength and conditioning at the gym with her trainer. Balance, agility, and weight training are key components to DAWN
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