From High School Track to Fatherhood: A Journey of Speed, Strength, Family, and Facing Surgery
As athletes showcase their talents on the global stage during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, with Olympic Gold Medalist Noah Lyles securing the first gold for the US Men’s 100m, the excitement of Track and Field is thrilling. In this spirit, we are excited to introduce you to Chance White, a 24-year-old father who reminisces about his days as a high school track runner. In this Q&A, Chance opens up about balancing academics and athletics, navigating life after high school, becoming a father at 21, and his upcoming surgery in September 2024.
Who is Chance White?
CW: I am a Young father born in Jackson Mississippi, raised in the city that never sleeps. A man of immense talent and potential yet to be unleashed. A loving and caring individual who is charming and charismatic.
What inspired you to start running track in high school, and how did you balance academics and athletics?
CW: I was always around sports whether it be with Mr. Alvarez and the many basketball teams he coached or track. I got into track my senior year and honestly wasn’t expecting to run for the track team. I originally tried out for basketball but for some reason the season started without my school team. My coaches at the time saw potential in me and suggested I join the track team. A lot of us didn’t have knowledge of the sport besides the little things we’d see on tv with Usian Bolt and other “GOATS” like Sha’carri Richardson. However, along side the leadership of my track coach Frankelly Fernandez I got to deepen my love for the sport. Not to mention, we won the Championship that year. Being a student athlete is all about realizing you have a duty to your books before the courts. You have to hold yourself accountable if you want play time and to even have the opportunity to put on a jersey. Many great athletes have degrees if not go back to school to pursue greatness in academics, for example Jr Smith former NBA player recently went back to college in 2021. To ensure success with your sports as well as academics, you need to have the same intensity for both. Participate in study hall or attend afterschool study sessions or if that’s not up to your speed, create study groups with the team. Coaches will be sure to have the tools setup at your disposal. However it is, it’s up to you to be responsible and use such things in a respectful manner. One thing to remember is that “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”
Can you share some of your most memorable moments from your high school track days?
CW: This is something that stems from more than just track. When I first started attending New Visions Charter School for Advanced Math and Science II, I met Willie Alvarez who is one of the greatest coaches that’s ever engaged with the school besides my track coach. But I mention Mr. A because he helped pave the way for athletics in my school. At the time, AMS II only focused on Academics and students who were heavily engaged with their studies. Not really acknowledging the kids who are student athletes. Coach Alvarez is the Godfather of sports at Ams and is a father to me. I enjoyed every moment on and off the court with him and I enjoyed the behind the scenes work all the grit and grind to get the sports life at Ams where it is today.
How did your life change after high school, especially in terms of pursuing athletics or other career goals?
Well being that I graduated right before Covid things were hard. I didn’t get much college offers, so I felt like there wasn’t much choices in terms of schooling. I did attend St Francis College for two semesters and was also on the track team.
However along with the untimely arrival of Covid 19, there was some controversial things going on in my life. The untimely passing of my uncle and then other family personal issues.
What has your experience been like becoming a father at the age of 21?
“I am young but I wouldn’t miss this part of my life for the world Sincere will live a wonderful life and he will change the world.”
A lot of things came fast with finding out that I was going to be a father. I was very scared to tell my mom because I was afraid for her reaction. Also because at her age she had my big sister but she was set with a career and housing and stuff like that. Which I know a lot of adults her age would feel the same way but things are different in this day and age. Being called grandma makes her feel old even though my mom turned twenty one the last four years. It is the same for many other adults that I have relationships with. I wasn’t sure how they would’ve taken the news so I stayed to myself about becoming a dad and my little family. That was until I got more comfortable and people just saw me with Sincere. Regardless and despite what people say now or in the future, I am doing right by my little twin. There was a lot of things I had to learn about myself and things I had to learn about my spouse Deshanette. Hard feelings I had to get over, a lot of heated discussions or times where we bumped heads. However it’s all about taking time to slow your thoughts and think about next steps. Taking a pause to acknowledge where you could’ve went wrong coming back together and regrouping. I am young but I wouldn’t miss this part of my life for the world. Sincere will live a wonderful life and he will change the world. Also, I believe that with parenthood, no matter the age - it is a brand new experience with a tiny little human. You can’t always be fully prepared. All things in life come with different challenges.
You mentioned needing surgery in September 2024. Can you tell us more about your road to surgery and how you're preparing for it?
I have a condition called Chiari Malformation and in short I have parts of my brain that push on my spinal cord. I have all types of pains all over my body and it impairs my physical ability on daily task especially at work. It is a sad reality that is ultimately inevitable. However, I have a good support group and I always remember to hold my head high. It was very sad in the beginning because prior to receiving more information about my diagnosis I believe it was something terminal. I wasn’t really in a great headspace, sometimes blindly looking up things Google shows you stuff that may not actually have anything to do with your diagnosis. Also around the time I was trying to figure out a diagnosis, one of my veteran teammate Jordan aka Mr. Jumpman died of brain cancer. His untimely death moved all of us and being I was having these problems, I was moved by fear. However, I found ways to try and make peace with his passing while waiting to see what I am told by the medical professionals. To prepare for the projected surgery in September, I have been seeing doctors back and forth at Mount Sinai hospital. During appointments we go over labs and MRI’s. I have one more doctor to see and a couple more test to complete. After that encounter, we will have one final meeting to go over the results and solidify our game plan.
What kind of support are you seeking through your GoFundMe campaign?
After surgery, I will be in the hospital three days two nights. Once I am discharged I was instructed that I will be required to be out of work for up to six months. With the Gofundme campaign it will support whatever surgery funds insurance won’t cover and I will be able to support myself and my living expenses as well as still providing for my family. Also, unfortunately I will no longer be able to work as an EMT.
If you were a pollinator, which one would you be and why? (Honeybee, Bumblebee, Monarch Butterfly, Hummingbird, Bat, Moth)
CW: If I were a pollinator I would be a Monarch Butterfly, aside from being a huge contributor to the environment feeding on nectar and pollinating wildflowers. Monarch butterflies are also a symbol of hope and reform!
What do you love most about New York?
New York is the city that never sleeps home to a mass amount of people from many backgrounds who represent many cultures. You travel to one spot you can get you a bacon egg and cheese, you travel to another spot you can get you some Oxtails and Jerk chicken. You meet new people everyday, you learn new things everyday. The City is filled with nothing but pure experiences and excitement. The Food the people the culture the artwork! New York City is a beautiful blend of harmony and bliss. I am a proud New Yorker and I wouldn’t have it any other way! We just missing one thing to be great another Knicks championship!
Social Media Handles:
CW: You can find me on twitch at Chance_thegreat
On TikTok you can find me Chance DaPoet
Instagram: Chance_DaPoet
And for all those who’d like to support the Gofundme is as follows
https://gofund.me/d3af8e45
I thank you for this
