Chase Metcalf didn’t follow the typical path of a collegiate tennis player. While many of her peers picked up a racket at a young age, she didn’t start until she was 10, hitting balls recreationally at a park. By 13, she joined a club and began competing more seriously while also traveling for soccer. In high school, she was told she had to make a choice between her two sports—and tennis prevailed.

The decision paid off. By the end of her high school career, she was an All-State performer who caught the eye of college recruiters. Though she knew she wasn’t the most polished prospect, one strong match was enough to gain the attention of Butler University’s Head Coach. On her campus visit, Metcalf clicked with the coaching staff, team culture, and the Lacy School of Business.

“It just felt right,” she says.

Since arriving at Butler, Metcalf has steadily climbed the ranks. In her first year, she secured key wins at No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles. Sophomore year brought a coaching change and a more trying season. But she bounced back her junior year with a breakout performance, earning BIG EAST First Team honors while playing both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles.

“I remember telling my coach, ‘I’m not good enough to play No. 1 singles,’” Metcalf recalls. “Then I went out there and proved myself wrong.”

Metcalf has become a model student-athlete at Butler, excelling on the court while embracing campus life. As a member of Alpha Phi, she’s built friendships and contributed to philanthropy efforts while balancing demanding athletic and academic schedules.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to be part of a sorority,” Metcalf says, “but Alpha Phi does a really good job of letting me have a balance between tennis and sorority life. I’ve been able to meet some of my best friends, and it’s nice to have that break.”

When not on the court, Metcalf double majors in Business Technology and Marketing Analytics. She interned with Roche Diagnostics over the summer and now works part time while finishing her degree. Long term, she hopes to build a career in medical sales and eventually take on a leadership role where she can mentor others.

“I’ve always loved mentoring,” Metcalf says. “One day, I want to do for others what my mentors have done for me.”