Valparaiso University tennis head coach Bob Modesto has announced the addition of Cathy Beckmann (Indianapolis, Ind. / Bishop Chatard), who is an incoming freshman set to join the program for the 2026-2027 season.
 
Beckmann was ranked in the top 100 rising stars nationally in June and is currently ranked No. 34 in the Midwest and No. 4 in the state of Indiana by Tennis Recruiting. She played No. 1 Singles throughout her high school career at Bishop Chatard and during the 2025 season led her team to the first state finals appearance in program history. She was also named a First Team All-State honoree and earned the Team MVP award in all three years of high school play.
 
"As a person, you meet those people in life who make you better by being around them, and Cathy is one of those people," head coach Bob Modesto said. "In the recruiting process, you're always looking for good players, but you're also looking for players who are going to fit with the culture and have great chemistry with the team. She comes from a tennis family – I coached with her mom 20 years ago and her brother just finished in the state finals in Indiana. We're excited about Cathy, and I think it's a great fit. This is a win-win situation – it's a win for Valpo and a win for Cathy."
 
Beckmann played competitive basketball and volleyball until ninth grade. She serves as a Team Court Lead for Tennis Special Olympics. In addition, she serves as a school Sacristan during church at school and is involved in church youth group programs.
 
"I chose Valpo because of the small, tight-knit community along with how welcoming the girls and team were," Beckmann said. "I also knew how prestigious the school was, and I was looking for a place with strong academics. I know Coach Bob is a strong coach and can help me take my game to the next level."