Game of Chance
Published 11:01 am Tuesday, May 5, 2026
By Jim Gazzolo
Overlooked by many coming out of high school, Kassidy Chance came to McNeese State with a chip on her shoulder and something to prove.
Two years into her career, the sophomore shortstop has more than made her point.
Chance is coming off her best weekend as a Cowgirl, where her speed and energy helped lead McNeese back to the Southland Conference’s championship series for the second straight year.
“Kassidy really sparked us,” said McNeese head coach James Landreneau. “She came up with some big hits, but more importantly, she really gave us energy. She plays the game so hard and just has fun.”
The Cowgirls won three one-run games to capture the Lake Charles Bracket. During the weekend, Chance went 7-for-9, raising her batting average to .440.
In the final game against Nicholls, Chance went 4-for-4, with three doubles, scoring two runs and driving in three. That gives her a run of eight straight times reaching base as the Cowgirls (38-19) get set to open the title series against Lamar Thursday night at Joe Miller Field.
Over the last 17 games, in which the Cowgirls have gone 15-2, Chance is hitting .583 (33-56), scoring 21 runs and driving in 14.
“It is just preparation and trying to make something happen,” said Chance. “A lot of people came up with big hits. It is just fun to play in big games.”
Preparation has been the key to Chance’s success. Last season, the Mansfield, Texas, product hit .378 and was named the SLC’s Freshman of the Year, playing all over the field.
After spending the offseason working on defense to move to shortstop and in the weight room to improve her strength, Chance is even better.
“She had a great offseason,” said Landreneau. “She really put in the work, especially on defense. She is developing into a leader.”
Chance is becoming the player Landreneau believed she could be, which is how he won her over and brought her to McNeese.
“Coach Landreneau had a vision for how he could use me,” said Chance. “He saw my speed and didn’t worry about my size.”
This season didn’t start so fast for Chance, despite all the hard work. Maybe it was pressure, but a cyst on the back of her knee also caused her pain. That led her to take two weeks off in February to recover.
“Looking back, I learned a lot while watching the games,” said Chance. “You get to see the game, and also you miss playing. I just wanted to get back out there and have fun.
“I’m also stronger this year, so I was able to recover.”
Landreneau noticed a different player after the injury.
“She was more athletic and relaxed,” Landrenau said. “Maybe she had put too much pressure on herself to start the season. When she came back, you saw how much more she enjoyed the game.”
Chance and the Cowgirls hope the fun is just beginning.