“Every story deserves to be told with clarity, compassion, and truth.” — Scott Cross
Scott Cross is an American basketball coach, born December 3, 1974 in Garland, Texas, currently serving as the head coach of the Troy Trojans men’s basketball team. He previously coached at UT Arlington, where he became the winningest coach in program history. In 2025, he is trending for leading Troy to a Sun Belt Conference championship and earning recognition for his resilience after earlier career setbacks. His challenges include rebuilding programs, navigating NCAA tournament pressures, and balancing family life with the demands of coaching.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Born December 3 in Garland, Texas |
| 1994–1995 | Played at Tyler Junior College |
| 1995–1998 | Played guard at UT Arlington |
| 1998–2006 | Assistant coach at UT Arlington |
| 2006–2018 | Head coach at UT Arlington |
| 2018–2019 | Assistant coach at TCU |
| 2019–Present | Head coach at Troy University |
| 2025 | Won Sun Belt Conference championship with Troy |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Scott Michael Cross |
| Birthdate | December 3, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Garland, Texas, USA |
| Age | 50 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | University of Texas at Arlington – B.A. in Business Management |
| Profession | College Basketball Coach |
| Employer | Troy University |
| Known For | Winningest coach in UT Arlington history |
| Spouse | Married (wife’s name not publicly disclosed) |
| Children | Two sons |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
Early Life & Education
Scott Cross was born in Garland, Texas, and raised in a supportive family environment. His parents encouraged his pursuit of sports and education, instilling values of resilience and discipline. While he keeps their names private, he often credits them for shaping his work ethic.
Cross attended Tyler Junior College before transferring to the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where he played as a guard from 1995 to 1998. He graduated with a degree in Business Management, preparing him for leadership roles both on and off the court.

Career Background
UT Arlington Cross began his coaching career as an assistant at UTA (1998–2006). In 2006, he was promoted to head coach, leading the Mavericks for 12 seasons. He became the winningest coach in program history with 225 victories, guiding UTA to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008 and multiple postseason runs.
TCU Assistant After UTA did not renew his contract in 2018, Cross joined TCU as an assistant coach, gaining valuable experience in the Big 12 Conference.
Troy Trojans In 2019, Cross was hired as head coach of Troy University. He rebuilt the program, emphasizing discipline, defense, and player development. By 2025, he led Troy to a Sun Belt Conference championship, cementing his reputation as a resilient program builder.
Trending News (2025)
- Sun Belt Championship: In March 2025, Cross guided Troy to the Sun Belt Conference title, earning national recognition.
- Coach of the Year Buzz: His success has sparked discussions about Sun Belt Coach of the Year honors.
- NCAA Tournament Spotlight: Troy’s return to the NCAA Tournament under Cross has trended in sports media, highlighting his comeback story.
Challenges & Achievements
Challenges
- Career Setback at UTA: Despite being the winningest coach in UTA history, his contract was not renewed in 2018.
- Program Rebuilding: Taking over Troy required patience and resilience to rebuild a struggling program.
- Tournament Pressure: Navigating NCAA postseason expectations with limited resources compared to larger programs.
Achievements
- Winningest coach in UT Arlington history (225 wins).
- Led UTA to its first NCAA Tournament in 2008.
- Guided Troy to Sun Belt Conference championship in 2025.
- Earned Southland Coach of the Year (2012) and Sun Belt Coach of the Year (2017).
Family & Parents
Scott Cross is married and has two sons. He often speaks about the importance of balancing family life with the demands of coaching. His parents raised him in Garland, Texas, encouraging his pursuit of sports and education. While he keeps their identities private, he credits them with instilling resilience and discipline.
Salary & Net Worth
- Salary: Estimated $400,000–$600,000 annually as Troy head coach.
- Net Worth: Approximately $1–2 million.
Legacy
Scott Cross’s legacy lies in his ability to rebuild programs and inspire resilience. From UT Arlington to Troy, he has demonstrated adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to player development.
His story reflects the challenges of modern college basketball coaching, the importance of perseverance, and the rewards of resilience. As he continues to lead Troy in 2025, Cross remains a respected figure in NCAA basketball, inspiring future coaches and athletes.









