How Chapman University Helped Launch Ethan Santana’s (’25) Career Journey with the …

When Ethan Santana from San Diego, CA, began searching for colleges, he had two passions in mind: data and baseball. Chapman University, one of the few schools at the time offering a dedicated undergraduate Data Science program, quickly rose to the top of his list. “It was the perfect mix of computer science and statistics,” Santana says. “It just clicked.” Once on campus, Santana immediately immersed himself in opportunities that would define his Chapman experience and shape his future. He secured a work-study job at Chapman’s Career and Professional Development Office during his first year and remained there all four years. That job, he says, gave him real-world experience and crucial insight into how to craft strong resumes and cover letters, helping prepare him for the competitive world of professional sports. But perhaps the most pivotal chapter of his college journey came when Santana approached the Chapman baseball team with a simple request—to let him help. He wasn’t a player, just a data-driven student with a passion for the game and a willingness to learn. That drive led to a unique role supporting the team’s coaching staff with data analysis and post-game performance reports, utilizing advanced tracking systems like Trackman.
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