Chance Gray, who is committed to Oregon University, grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, but now lives in West Chester, Ohio. She started playing basketball at the age of four and comes from a family of talented basketball players. It’s no surprise that she followed in their footsteps.
Her older sister, Amber Gray, was a standout in high school and went on to play for the University of Tennessee under the coaching of Pat Summitt. Chance Gray’s father, Carlton Gray, has been involved in basketball for most of his life, coaching AAU and currently working as a full-time trainer. All three of them admire Kobe Bryant, but Chance also draws inspiration from Stephen Curry for their similar playstyles. It’s clear that she has been groomed to excel in basketball from an early age.
Being in the presence of greatness greatly influenced her game and propelled her to become the 7th ranked female basketball player in the country, as reported by ESPN. With such recognition, she had the opportunity to choose from any school in the nation. Her final options were UCLA and Oregon, and while both programs are exceptional, there was one standout factor. Gray spoke highly of her current head coach, Andy Fishman, and credited him and his coaching staff for her development into the star player she is today. In an interview with ABC Cincinnati, Gray expressed her gratitude, saying, “I believe that Coach Fishman and the other coaches in the program have played a significant role in my development, and I know I still have a lot more room to grow.”
The Determining Factor on Gray’s Commitment
During the interview, Gray spoke about the significant influence of Oregon’s HC Kelly Graves. The authentic nature of Coach Graves made one of Gray’s life-changing decisions much simpler. She expressed her excitement for the numerous opportunities and the lifelong bond she looks forward to forming with Graves and the organization.
“Frankly, it played a major role,” Gray said. “Graves is an amazing coach, both on and off the court. He’s approachable and relatable. I felt comfortable discussing anything with him, whether it was basketball-related or not.”
#home💚 pic.twitter.com/fuenlsGVu9
— chance gray (@chancegrayy) August 1, 2021
Finding Balance: Chance Gray’s Social Life and Basketball
As a highly sought-after high school athlete, Gray had limited personal time. Additionally, her impressive accolades as a McDonald’s All-American and Gatorade Player of the Year made it challenging for her to experience a typical teenage life in high school. Furthermore, she revealed that socializing and enjoying leisure time with friends is a rarity for her. Instead, she builds connections with individuals she encounters in her activities. As a result, most of her closest companions consist of athletes and fellow basketball players who understand her way of life and share comparable schedules.
“It’s tough to stay focused because my friends have more freedom than I do,” Gray expresses with conviction. “I’ve come to understand that I have to make sacrifices and can’t lead a double life. But I’m getting better at managing my time. The main challenge is staying focused and not losing myself while trying to live a teenage life.
During the McDonald’s All-American game in Chicago, she had the honor of playing alongside some of the top female basketball players in the country. One of them was Ashlon Jackson, a Duke commit, and they developed a liking for each other as the camp progressed. Gray admitted feeling nervous when they first met, unsure of how the other girls would behave. Yet, these girls grew closer at the camp and she made some lifelong friends and had great experiences.
There’s never a bigger smile you’ll see when I’m not surrounded by people who value something on the same level I do. Basketball brings out a certain light in me that is unexplainable. It’s become my escape for so many reasons and I wouldn’t be who I am without it. pic.twitter.com/cFhKMUF3Nt
— chance gray (@chancegrayy) April 7, 2022
When Chance Felt She Arrived
Gray’s most memorable moment, when asked about her “Sh3GotGame” moment, was a special occasion she experienced with her father during an AAU game. In that particular game, Gray started off strong and ended up scoring an impressive 32 points. Years later, her father inquired, “When did you realize you were talented?”
She replied, “I knew after that AAU game where I scored 32 points.”
Gray discussed that conversation with her father extensively. She mentioned that she rarely gets the opportunity to reflect and acknowledge her achievements and awards. Gray has been focused solely on her goals, she elaborates on this.
“I don’t think I’ve ever really stopped to ponder over them,” Gray expressed. “To be honest, my mind is always focused on what comes next.”
Gray’s ultimate goal is to create an unparalleled legacy. While she desires recognition for her skills on the court, her true ambition lies in revolutionizing women’s sports. The means by which she achieves this, be it through her performance or other avenues, matter little to her.
Basketball: Transforming Chance Gray’s Life Forever
In summary, Gray emphasizes how basketball has profoundly shaped her character. She expresses gratitude for the game’s impact on her life, acknowledging the valuable relationships and opportunities it has provided, which have ultimately influenced her development and playing style.
As she gets ready for the bigger picture, she chooses to focus on the present and shape her future through the game. When asked if she has any advice for younger girls and boys who may relate to her journey, she replied:
“Focus on yourself and your journey. Strive to be a dedicated student-athlete and embody the image you want others to see, starting from this moment, not in the future.”
