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Butler University women’s tennis is set to welcome a talented quartet for the 2025-26 academic year, as coach Cassie Shultz officially signs four promising athletes: Sienna Miles, Sophie Parr, Hailey Poplin, and Julia Uyesato.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the level of talent and strength of character we are bringing to the women’s team next year,” said Shultz. “This class will undoubtedly have a great impact on our program over the next four years, pushing us toward success both on and off the court.”
Sienna Miles
Miles, hailing from Calgary, Alberta, has emerged as a top-ranked junior, excelling both provincially and nationally. Her impressive accolades include a Top 10 ranking at the prestigious Tennis Canada Fischer Junior Nationals (U16) and winning the esteemed Tennis Canada Sportsmanship Award in 2023. Competing in International Tennis Federation (ITF) events, she captured the doubles championship at the J30 Christiansted and advanced as a doubles finalist at multiple tournaments, including J60 Edmonton, J60 Langley (Vancouver), J60 Tacarigua in Trinidad, and J30 Bridgetown in Barbados. Notably, she qualified for the main draw of the prestigious Eddie Herr Championships (U16) in the fall of 2023 and stands as a Top 15 doubles player nationally, achieving a professional WTA ranking at age 17 while competing in the W35 Edmonton tournament.
Coach Shultz on Miles: “Sienna brings both the ability and expertise to play aggressive doubles. She is tenacious and a great competitor. Her contagious positive energy will permeate throughout our team, motivating her peers to elevate their game.”
Miles on selecting Butler: “I chose Butler because of the opportunity to excel both on and off the court. The combination of top academics and sport had the perfect balance. It felt like family as soon as I stepped on campus and met with the team and coaches. Everyone was so welcoming, and the campus itself is beautiful with state-of-the-art facilities.”
Sophie Parr
Parr, transitioning from Silvis, Ill., held the No. 1 USTA ranking for the state of Iowa and achieved an impressive No. 6 in the USTA sectional rankings. Currently attending Liberty Academy, her experience and skill level make her a strong addition to the Butler women’s team.
Coach Shultz on Parr: “Sophie has a commanding presence on the court. She has explosive traits that shine through in all areas of her game, making her a fierce competitor whom opponents will respect.”
Parr on selecting Butler: “I was initially attracted to Butler for its excellence in academics and athletics, and its vibrant community. But I fell in love with Butler after meeting Coach Shultz and the amazing tennis team, who genuinely welcomed me into their family.”
Hailey Poplin
Poplin, representing Hilton Head Island, S.C., has made a name for herself at Heritage Academy and Van Der Meer Tennis Academy. A distinguished three-time all-state honoree, Poplin has garnered all-conference accolades five times and all-region honors on four occasions. She was named the 2023 Region Player of the Year for her outstanding contributions to her team’s success, including leading them to state championships in 2019 and 2022 and achieving an impressive overall team record of 148-9.
Coach Shultz on Poplin: “Hailey is a great athlete; she has the ability to generate power fluidly from the baseline, which allows her to aggressively dictate points during matches. Her athleticism will be an asset to the team.”
Poplin on selecting Butler: “I chose Butler University because I believe their academic program can enhance my future prospects and provide me with an unforgettable experience. The tennis program allows me to compete at a high, competitive level while fostering amazing friendships and relationships that come with it. Butler feels like home to me, which is so important when choosing a college.”
Julia Uyesato
Uyesato, from Corona, Calif., has proven herself as a standout player for her Academy of Innovation team since her freshman year. Among her many achievements, she received the Honors with Distinction award for maintaining a GPA above 4.0 throughout her high school career. Her dedication to both academics and athletics showcases her commitment to excellence.
Coach Shultz on Uyesato: “Julia will arrive on campus with textbook technique. She is driven and a focused learner, which will benefit her as she transitions to collegiate play. I believe Julia has immense potential for remarkable growth throughout her time with us.”
Uyesato on selecting Butler: “I chose Butler for so many reasons! Coach Cassie, the team, and everyone there are so incredible and such amazing people! The overall atmosphere and environment at Butler is wonderful. The campus is stunning and gorgeous, and I’m beyond excited to attend Butler! Go Dawgs!”
How do you see the addition of these new recruits influencing the team dynamics and overall performance in the upcoming seasons?
**Interview with Coach Cassie Shultz of Butler University Women’s Tennis**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Shultz! Butler University’s women’s tennis team is set to welcome a talented group of athletes for the 2025-26 academic year. Can you share your thoughts on the newest recruits: Sienna Miles, Sophie Parr, Hailey Poplin, and Julia Uyesato?
**Cassie Shultz:** Thank you for having me! I couldn’t be more excited about this incoming class. Each player brings a unique skill set and a strong character. I believe they will significantly impact our program over the next four years, helping us strive for success both on and off the court.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive into the individual players. Sienna Miles has made quite an impression with her national rankings and awards. What makes her stand out in your eyes?
**Cassie Shultz:** Sienna is exceptional—she’s not only a tenacious competitor but also excels in aggressive doubles play. Her positive energy is contagious and will undoubtedly motivate her teammates. Winning the Tennis Canada Sportsmanship Award speaks volumes about her character, and it’s this combination of talent and character that makes her a valuable addition to our team.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful to hear. Sophie Parr seems to have a strong presence on the court as well. What do you appreciate about her game?
**Cassie Shultz:** Sophie’s explosive traits truly shine through during competition. Her confidence and commanding presence will make opponents take notice. She is a fierce competitor, and her USTA rankings reflect her hard work and dedication to the game. I’m excited to see how she will elevate our team.
**Interviewer:** Hailey Poplin has a remarkable track record as well; being a three-time all-state honoree is no small feat. Can you tell us what you expect from her?
**Cassie Shultz:** Hailey’s accolades speak for themselves. Her experience at the Heritage Academy has equipped her with a strategic understanding of the game. Leading her team as the 2023 Region Player of the Year shows her capability to perform under pressure. I believe her competitive spirit will be a tremendous asset to our lineup.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, I see Julia Uyesato is also joining the team. What can fans expect from her?
**Cassie Shultz:** Julia has immense potential and versatility. She has shown great dedication to improving her game, and I look forward to seeing how she adapts and thrives in our training environment. I believe she will blend well with our team dynamics, contributing both in competition and in practice.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you have a bright future ahead with these recruits. What is your overall vision for the team in the next few years?
**Cassie Shultz:** My vision is to cultivate a winning culture that embraces both athletic and academic excellence. With this talented class, I honestly believe we are moving in the right direction. I anticipate we’ll see great progress and success as we work together towards our goals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Coach Shultz! It’s exciting to hear about the potential of the upcoming season and the impact these new athletes could make.
**Cassie Shultz:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our team’s journey, and I look forward to the exciting season ahead!