UConn star Paige Bueckers shares reaction to Coco Gauff’s excitement on carrying Team USA’s flag with Lebron James
It's time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Coco Gauff, an American professional tennis player, has been announced as the female flag-bearer for Team USA. She will hold the American flag next to none other than LeBron James.
Gauff expressed her excitement for the honor, as per an ESPNW Instagram post.
"I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA. ... I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron," Gauff said.
UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers shared the post on Instagram Story.
"Much deserved," Bueckers wrote.
Coco Gauff has become the youngest and the first tennis player to be a flag-bearer at the Olympics for Team USA. She was 17 when she couldn't participate in the Tokyo Olympics due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Team USA announced the news on Wednesday, when Chris Eubanks, Team USA's tennis player, revealed the news in front of the tennis team, surprising Gauff.
"It's a pretty special moment," Eubanks said. "Your year last year was incredible. You captured the world by storm, your first Grand Slam. I think you kind of showcased to the world in the U.S. and abroad, how special of a person and tennis player you are.
"And I think because you are so special, you have the honor of wearing this jacket during the opening ceremony and being the flag-bearer with LeBron James."
Paige Bueckers is a potential candidate to represent Team USA in the future. The Big East Player of the Year 2024 is returning for the last run with UConn next season before transitioning to the WNBA. She'll have the opportunity to take women's sports to another level in the upcoming season.
Also read: IN PHOTOS: UConn’s Paige Bueckers celebrates bagging a gold medal during “Husky Olympics”
Former world No. 1 tennis player got emotional about Coco Gauff's achievement
Chris Evert, the former American world No. 1 tennis player, shared her emotional reaction on X when she learned that Coco Gauff would be the flag bearer.
"I cried!!! So exciting and deserving," Evert tweeted.
It was a proud moment for Coco Gauff, who thanked everyone who chose her as the flag-bearer on X.
"I want to say thank you to my fellow team USA olympians/athletes for voting and choosing me for this incredible honor to be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony. Thank you so much. I am incredibly honored," Gauff tweeted.
Also read: WATCH: UConn star Paige Bueckers urges Caitlin Clark to attempt 3-pointer during WNBA All-Star Game