by Blake Pieschke, CSU Public Relations Intern
Remember when parents would tell us we wouldn’t get anywhere playing videogames? Times have changed and videogames have transitioned to a worldwide sport.
How would you define an athlete in Esports?
Esports head coach Jacqueline Lamm: “Someone who is very competitive and goal-orientated and wanting to better pursue their passion in the game. Esports players work just as hard as traditional sports players. They might be working behind a screen, but they are utilizing teamwork, strategy, motor skills, fast past problem-solving skills and more.”
The Maverick Esports team’s spring season is well under way. The program currently has four varsity teams for the game titles of League of Legends, CS:GO, Madden NFL and Rocket League this semester. They are looking to expand to more titles such as, Call of Duty, Valorant and Super Smash Bros in the upcoming fall semester.
The League of Legends team has already completed two matches. With their victory over Bismarck State College Jan. 30, the team currently sits at a 1-1 record.
In order to try out for a team, a student must fill out a registration form on their website and compete for an open spot for the title of their interest. Other game titles are welcome for recommendation to coach Lamm.
There are also ways students can support the program other than being on the varsity team. Cheer on the team by wearing your official Mavericks Esports gear on game days livestreamed at MinnesotaStateMankato – Twitch! Exclusive t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, and replica jerseys will be available on Feb. 15 only from the Campus Computer Store | Minnesota State University, Mankato – Campus Computer Store (mnsu.edu) Also, get in on the action and join the Maverick Gaming Community’s discord at Maverick Gaming Community (discord.com).
For more information about the program or varsity schedules, visit Gaming and Esports | Minnesota State University, Mankato (mnsu.edu).
