Chase Radel discovered a unique way to combine two of his biggest interests during his time at Hopkins: sports and mathematics. With support from his teachers, coaches, and experiences both in and out of the classroom, he found a path that blends analytical thinking with his passion for athletics.
After graduation, Chase will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he will study actuarial science with the goal of becoming a sports actuary.
What sparked your interest in actuarial science?
I’ve always loved both sports and math, and I wanted to find a way to combine the two. I was inspired by the movie Moneyball and the idea that statistics and data can help teams make smarter decisions. That really showed me how math can play a major role in sports, and it made me want to pursue that as a career.
How did your time at Hopkins help develop your skills or interest in this field?
My time at Hopkins helped me realize that I could balance both academics and athletics. My teachers and coaches supported me in pursuing both, and that helped me see that I could turn those interests into a future career.
Was there a class, teacher, or experience at Hopkins that had a strong impact on you?
AP Statistics and Pre-Calculus had a big impact on me. Pre-Calc with Mr. Katzenmyer was my first high school math class, and he made me feel comfortable and made the class engaging. He was also my Royals Connect advisor, which made that connection even stronger. AP Statistics with Mr. Bruflodt made me excited about college and my future, since it closely relates to what I plan to study.
You were involved in band—how did that experience shape your high school journey? Are there other activities or clubs you'd like to mention?
Being in band was a huge part of my high school experience. I met so many new people, and the program brings together students involved in all kinds of activities. Ms. Tycast pushed me to always do my best and held me to a higher standard than I thought I was capable of. I was also involved in Breakfast Club and Volunteer Club. Breakfast Club gave us a chance to relax and connect with others, while Volunteer Club allowed me to give back to the community and meet even more people.
What are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?
I’m looking forward to meeting new people, experiencing new places, and continuing to grow alongside others.