Colorado Native Reese Chapman Thrives at Tennessee Baseball

Chapman's journey to UT wasn't a 'Plan B' as he continues to excel on the diamond.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Reese Chapman, a senior outfielder for the University of Tennessee baseball team, has had an impressive journey to get to this point. Growing up in Parker, Colorado, Chapman was serious about baseball from a young age, coming from a family of athletes. At 15, he moved to the Dallas area to play summer travel ball, with the full support of his family. This put his baseball career on a faster track, leading him to eventually commit to play for Tennessee. After improving in each of his first three seasons, last year was Chapman's best yet, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 53 runs. Now in his final college season, Chapman is focused on being more selective at the plate, with the goal of helping Tennessee win another championship.

Why it matters

Chapman's story highlights the dedication and family support that can help young athletes achieve their dreams. His willingness to make tough decisions, like moving away from home at 15, paid off as he climbed the baseball ladder. Tennessee has also benefited from Chapman's talent and leadership, as the team looks to continue its success under a new head coach.

The details

Reese Chapman grew up in a family of athletes in Parker, Colorado, with his sister on the University of Colorado dance team, his father playing college baseball, and his mother and stepfather competing in Tough Mudder competitions. When Chapman was 15, his mother helped him move to the Dallas area so he could play summer travel ball, which put his baseball career on a faster track. After impressing Tennessee coach Tony Vitello at a tournament, Chapman committed to play for the Volunteers. Last season was his best yet, and now in his final college year, he is focused on being more selective at the plate to help Tennessee win another championship.

  • When Chapman was 15, his mother helped him move to the Dallas area to play summer travel ball.
  • A few years later, Chapman met Tennessee coach Tony Vitello while playing in a tournament near Atlanta.
  • Last season, Chapman hit 13 home runs and drove in 53 runs for Tennessee.
  • This season, Chapman is focused on being more selective at the plate in his final college campaign.

The players

Reese Chapman

A senior outfielder for the University of Tennessee baseball team, who has had an impressive journey to get to this point.

Leigh Underwood

Reese Chapman's mother, who helped facilitate his move to the Dallas area at age 15 to play summer travel ball.

Tony Vitello

The former head coach of the University of Tennessee baseball team, who first scouted Reese Chapman at a tournament near Atlanta.

Josh Elander

The current head coach of the University of Tennessee baseball team, who was a longtime assistant under Tony Vitello and is expected to help Reese Chapman have a fantastic final college season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Whatever you want to do, I will be there to support you. I will help you get to that.”

— Leigh Underwood, Reese Chapman's mother (columbiadailyherald.com)

“These guys wait their turn and take a huge jump. They have a fantastic year.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee baseball head coach (columbiadailyherald.com)

What’s next

Tennessee will look to Reese Chapman to continue his strong play as the team aims to win another championship in his final college season.

The takeaway

Reese Chapman's story demonstrates the power of family support and dedication in helping young athletes achieve their dreams. His willingness to make tough decisions, like moving away from home at 15, has paid off as he has become a key contributor to the Tennessee baseball program.