HT Student-Athlete of the Month: Denae Chris-Anderson

AUSTIN – Huston-Tillotson University senior Denae Chris-Anderson has been recognized as the HT Student-Athlete of the Month for Women's Cross Country in September. She is the first women's cross country runner to be honored as part of an HT Athletics initiative that began after the fall sports season midway through the 2025-26 year.
 
Denae is a senior at Huston-Tillotson University majoring in biology on the pre-med track. She is originally from Westmoreland, Jamaica, and competes in both cross country, and track and field. Denae was named the HBCU Athletic Conference's Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week in two consecutive weeks in December.
 
GET TO KNOW DENAE:
Why did you choose to attend Huston-Tillotson University?
I chose Huston-Tillotson University because it was one of the more affordable schools and it was relatively close to my family. Furthermore, because it would be my first time staying in the States for an extended period I wanted to attend a university that focused on close-knit community.
 
What does being a student-athlete at HT mean to you?
Being a student-athlete at HT means putting my studies first while at the same time maintaining a high academic profile and applying discipline both on and off the track.
 
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far this season?
My biggest accomplishment this season was remaining healthy and injury free so far. This has helped me to excel in practice and surpass my own expectations at every meet, especially since it is my first time doing cross country.
 
Who or what motivates you to excel academically and athletically?
I'm motivated by the desire to see how far I can push myself. I am always ready to improve and I have
always had a competitive side which I display in the classroom and at meets.
 
Who has had the biggest impact on your athletic journey and why?
Coach Grant has had a major impact on my athletic journey. He always believed that I could do more than I think I can, even though I began running track not even a year ago. Additionally, throughout the summer when I was doing my miles to prepare for the cross country season, my aunt, a veteran, was my biggest motivator as she encouraged me to be consistent, push myself and incorporate strength training in my regimen.
 
How do you balance academics, athletics, and personal life?
I try to stay organized and prioritize what needs to get done. Balancing school and athletics requires discipline, especially during heavy training and competition periods. I also make sure to give myself time to rest and recharge so I can perform well in both areas. However, I'm not perfect and sometimes things can get a little crazy.
 
What goals have you set for yourself for the remainder of the season?
I have a few goals, but someone once told me if you share something it won't come true. However, I will say they are very much delusional, but delusion is just belief before results.
 
What is something about you that most people don't know?
That despite my usual resting face and quiet demeanor I am a bit of a joker.
 
What advice would you give to future HT student-athletes?
Your beginning doesn't determine your ending, stay consistent, be willing to learn, progress takes time
and don't be afraid to fail.
 
What song gets you hyped before a meet?
Champion - Buju Banton/ Lion Paw - Tarrus Riley
 
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