Zoë Lam is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Perry High School for AZPreps365.com. 

PHOENIX – For most high school athletes, competing in two or more sports has become the new norm – but competing in two sports and being nationally ranked in both is something that the majority of high school athletes cannot say. For Ethan Butters, a junior at Perry High School, that's all he's ever known.

However, the balancing act of these two sports is about to change. Earlier this year, Butters committed to Arizona State University to further pursue his academic and athletic career playing golf full time. This decision means closing the door on volleyball – the sport that shaped him just as much as the one he’ll carry into his future.

"I actually got a call from Stanford for volleyball,” Butters said. “I thought about playing both, but realistically, there’s not enough time. It’s hard enough balancing both now. Golf has more opportunities, and I think I’m a little better at it.”

A natural competitor

Butters first picked up a golf club when he was just 2 or 3 years old, swinging plastic clubs around the house while his dad and uncles played on weekends. When his dad eventually stepped away from the game to focus on their growing family, Ethan filled the empty spot in the foursome. 

Growing up in a big, sports-loving household, competition came naturally. All three of his siblings play volleyball, but Ethan found his calling on the golf course. What began as a fun way to tag along with his dad soon evolved into a passion, one that’s now guiding him to the Division I level and beyond.

A young Ethan Butters and coach Kay Cornelious at golf practice. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Butters)

 

Not long after, he began lessons with a private coach, who he is still in contact with today –  Kay Corneilous, who first met Ethan as a toddler and began training him at around 5 years old. She saw his early passion, confidence and love for the game, describing him as not only an exceptional athlete but an even better person whose dedication and resilience continue to carry him to the highest level.

"He’s an amazing person and one of those exceptional young athletes who stood out early,”  Cornelius said. “Even as a kid, he had clear goals, exceptional skills and a genuine love for the game. This wasn't something his parents had to drag him to, he really loved it."

 

Dominating two worlds

His hard work both on the court and the greens didn’t go unnoticed. On the volleyball court, his Aspire club team was ranked seventh in the nation, according to the Advanced Event Systems (AES) power rankings, along with placing second at the national championship last year. 

Butters has been a steady presence on the volleyball court for years, bringing a calm, composed energy that lifts his teammates. Playing alongside the same core group at Aspire for four years, it has become a mental reset from golf – a way to connect with friends and teammates and engage in a space where he can enjoy the team aspect, as golf can quickly become lonely.

“Ethan’s a very slow-and-steady kind of athlete,” Aspire assistant coach Daxton Tolman said. “As he’s grown stronger and faster, everything about his game has stayed calm – the way he passes, moves, commands the defense. His golf game is the same way.”

 

The Decision

June 15. A day that many high school juniors look forward to. The day that college coaches are allowed to contact high school athletes. However,  June 15 was anything but normal for Butters. With multiple calls flooding in while he was at a volleyball tournament, he quickly narrowed his options, initially identifying a top 10 before refining it to a top five. 

Visits to USC, Stanford, TCU and ASU highlighted different aspects of each program, but ultimately the decision came down to two priorities: professional development and proximity to family. ASU’s track record of producing successful Tour players aligned with his long-term goals, while being just 20 minutes from home allowed him to maintain close connections with his family. 

“My dad, I don’t know how he does it. He takes me everywhere. He’s a great man and role model,” Butters said. “My mom keeps me on my toes. She’s not afraid to let me have it, and that’s a good thing.

“My siblings are my best friends. They keep me grounded and in a good place. I couldn’t ask for anything more out of my family.”

 

Looking forward

Butters still has another year of high school but his lessons from volleyball still guide his golf game. For Butters, the next chapter isn’t just about the sport itself; it’s about carrying the drive, discipline and perspective he’s developed over years of balancing two passions into every step of the journey ahead.

“I want to keep progressing as an athlete and person,” Butters said. “The overall goal is to be the number one (golf) player in the world – but first, I want to be the number one collegiate golf player.”