Cross, originally from San Francisco, began to play tennis after graduating from high school in 1927.

[2] In 1930, she won the U.S. National Championships mixed doubles title with Wilmer Allison after a straight-sets victory in the final against Marjorie Morrill and Frank Shields.

[3] In 1930, she reached the final of the doubles event at Wimbledon with Sarah Palfrey, losing to Helen Wills and Elizabeth Ryan in straight sets.

In 1931, she won the singles title at the Canadian Championships, defeating Marjory Leeming in straight sets.

She was part of the American team that won the Wightman Cup against Great Britain 1929.