Valpo Esports Seeks Continued Growth in New Facilities

With students swarming back to campus this fall, the Esports program is also roaring into action in a big way. The program, comprised of six different competitive teams, moved into a brand new lab for the 2022-23 season. After capturing three trophies last year, the teams are excited about the next step(s) the lab represents.

“The whole area is indicative of the hard work we’ve put in. It’s awesome,” Super Smash captain Keegan Thompson said. “It feels like the lab is something that we earned.”

The sprawling lab located in the basement of the Harre Union is a massive upgrade in facilities and equipment. Players now have dedicated practice and competition space, a study/academic room, a streaming and production room, and several coaches offices. The division of space enables the student athletes to up their game.

“I love that we have a practice area and competition area,” Overwatch Beacon captain Abby Thompson said. “It makes it easier to conceptualize when we really need to focus versus when we are just playing casually.”

Another area that benefits the program is the new production room. Two computers fully equipped with microphones and cameras offer the opportunity for students to broadcast and commentate on all the competitions. Friends and friends are able to tune into the esports games throughout the season at twitch.tv/valpoesports.

Officially starting its fourth year, Valpo Esports boasts tremendous growth. Starting off with just 8 players in its inaugural season, the program increased to over 50 student athletes this fall. At its inception, the only esport offered was League of Legends, now they also support teams in Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers, iRacing and trading card games.

“When we had our big meeting at the beginning of the year, it felt like such a community that we built,” Abby said. “Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful since the start.”

Abby accredits her success and the team’s accomplishments to attentiveness of the coaching staff. Each team retains a dedicated coach and this season two teams are adding assistant coaches and analysts to further aid player development.

Last year, Overwatch Beacon brought home a national championship and the Super Smash Brothers team narrowly finished second in their conference. Now in new facilities, all teams look to continue their winning ways.

“We have a big title to uphold,” Abby said. “We want to continue to improve and also focus on the small things like team bonding and culture.”

Story by: Michael Trevithick