As Chance Cross powered through the finish line at the 2026 Conference USA championship, the hamstring and groin injuries that had once threatened his early collegiate seasons were a distant memory. What lingered was relief, confidence, and satisfaction of months of relentless hard work. For Cross, the race represented more than just another title. After injuries sidelined him during his freshman and sophomore years, he returned in 2025 to win the conference in his first meet back. This season, however, his goal had shifted: to prove that his success wasn’t about luck, but the result of consistent effort and determination. 

“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it again,” he said. “Last year was unexpected. I didn’t compete indoors, and then at my first meet back after injury I won the conference. This year was about consistency and showing it wasn’t just a one-time thing.”

The emotions hit as soon as he crossed the line. “I was excited,” he said. “I knew what I was capable of. Getting that first step fast is important, and from the start I knew I could do it. It was mission accomplished.”

His early seasons were defined by setbacks that tested him in every way. It began freshman year after his prep career at North Oconee High School when a hamstring strain in practice that at first seemed minor. His coaches and training staff immediately had him lower his training and focus on rehab to get ready for the outdoor season. 

However, during a home meet in the 100-meter dash, he strained it again, and the questions started piling up.

“Am I really ready? How do we make sure this doesn’t happen again?” He thought.

 The sharp pain and limited mobility made it clear that getting back on track wouldn’t be easy, especially after a freshman indoor season that had gone so well.  His sophomore year offered no break. Cross tried to compete again, only to tweak the hamstring once more, and later he strained his groin at South Carolina. By the time all was said and done, he had battled three hamstring strains and one groin strain, each injury a test of his body, his patience, and his determination to keep moving forward.

The physical pain of Cross’s injuries was only part of the challenge; the mental battle was just as demanding. Every week served as a reminder of everything he was missing, the very things he had trained for his entire life. He could not travel with the team, train in practice to get better, or compete to show what he was capable of. “That was the hardest part,” he said. “Every day in practice, every meet, and you can’t get out there and show what you’re capable of.”

Frustration came in waves. There were low points when progress felt slow, and setbacks made it hard to stay motivated. But support came in unexpected ways. Teammate Aidan (Boyd), who had torn his elbow, offered constant encouragement, while Kali Terza was always there with a word of support. 

“Coach Cale (McDaniel) was someone who really believed in me,” Cross said. “With the injuries, he stuck with me and did everything he could to help me get healthy.” 

Their encouragement reminded him that even in moments of isolation, he wasn’t alone, and that belief helped him push through the toughest weeks of rehab.

The turning point for Cross came slowly, as he rebuilt trust in his body and began to shake the doubts that lingered from years of injury. The breakthrough arrived at the CUSA championship, where he finally felt like himself again, running with the confidence and speed he had worked so hard to regain. Another key piece fell into place with the arrival of Coach Paris (Williams). “He was familiar with me and my injuries, so there wasn’t an adjustment period,” Cross said. “We were able to work around my training and my body, and when that came together, it clicked. The relationship made everything seamless.” 

With his body responding and his support system solid, Cross was able to put the pieces together, turning months of frustration into a triumphant comeback that led to a championship performance.

For Cross, the journey through injuries and setbacks became a lesson in patience, resilience, and self-belief. “Everything isn’t going to go your way,” he said. “You can always come back from setbacks. By the end of my sophomore year, I even doubted myself and thought my career might be over. I never imagined I’d be here today. You just have to push through and come back stronger than ever.” 

One of the biggest realizations, he said, was the importance of patience. Seeing progress in himself and his teammates has taught him that results don’t always come immediately, but if you trust the process, they will come.

Last year’s comeback had already shown what Cross was capable of, returning for his very first meet back after years of injuries and immediately winning the conference title. That moment proved he still belonged at the top. This season, he carried that confidence into the 2026 indoor season and delivered one of the most consistent stretches of his career. Meet after meet, he ran with the same speed and composure he had worked so hard to rebuild, proving that last year’s success wasn’t just a fluke. Each race reinforced that he was healthy, ready, and fully in control of his body once again.

Even as he focused on his own performances, Cross didn’t lose sight of the team around him. “It’s a young team, and when I was a freshman, the upperclassmen pushed me to be better,” he said. “Now I want to do the same for the younger athletes—instill the right attitude and help everyone improve.” He knew leadership wasn’t just about what he could do on the track; it was about lifting others, sharing what he had learned from setbacks, and helping the team grow alongside him.

Looking ahead, his sights are set on a national championship. To get there, he knows he must stick to the plan, trust in his training, and remain patient as he continues to push forward. Every practice, every meet, every challenge is a step toward that ultimate goal. With his body finally healthy, his confidence restored, and the lessons of his journey guiding him, Cross is ready to write the next chapter and chase even bigger accomplishments.

The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.