Robert Hitchcock
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.
His work with the team didn’t go unnoticed. “I didn’t get paid a cent – except for an occasional Jersey Mike’s sub on double header days,” Santana jokes, “but I was getting paid in experience.” He built custom reports, cleaned data sets and created tools that helped players better understand their performance. When he wasn’t in class, he was in the dugout or on his computer—translating statistics into something coaches and athletes could act on.
At the same time, Santana’s academic coursework was giving him the technical foundation he needed to succeed. He credits Chapman professors not only with teaching him key data science principles but with encouraging him to apply those skills beyond the classroom. That constant reinforcement, paired with his initiative, prepared him for what came next: a post-graduation internship with the Houston Astros shortly after graduating from Chapman in May 2025.
The Astros, widely regarded as one of the most forward-thinking organizations in Major League Baseball, were quick to recognize Santana’s talent. After applying to more than a dozen teams, Santana landed the internship thanks in part to a glowing letter of recommendation from Chapman’s head baseball coach, Scott Laverty. “That letter played a huge role,” Santana says. “It meant I had someone vouching for me who saw my work ethic firsthand.”
Now immersed in the world of professional baseball, Santana sees his time at Chapman as the launching pad for his career. “Chapman gave me the foundation, the connections and the support,” he says. “Everything I put into my time there, I got back tenfold.”
When Santana’s internship wraps up at the end of the baseball season, he plans to once again turn to Chapman’s Career and Professional Development Office — a resource available to alumni even after graduation. He ultimately dreams of landing a full-time role with a Major League Baseball team.
For students wondering what a Chapman education can lead to, Santana offers this advice: “The more you put in, the more you get out. If you’re driven and take advantage of the support and resources available, Chapman can absolutely help you get where you want to go.”
Learn more about the upcoming Chapman University Fall Career Fair on September 25 and other ways that the Career and Professional Development Office connects Chapman students and alumni with top employers to help launch successful careers.
