In a virtual world, esports rules.

At least that sentiment is fueling growing popularity and programming for the new Maverick Esports Varsity program at Minnesota State Mankato.

“This semester has certainly surpassed our goals for the varsity esports program and I’m extremely excited for the amount of student interest we have gotten so far,” said Jacquie Lamm, Maverick Esports coach. “The new esports and learning community is another achievement that I’m excited to be working with and for our incoming first year students I think it will be a good stepping stone for esports at Minnesota State Mankato.”

This week, a report by KEYC shared one of the latest efforts to raise awareness and recruitment for the esports varsity program. Open houses for prospective students now offer insights into the esports program at Minnesota State Mankato.

The Open House sessions offer both virtual and in-person sessions starting March 26 and March 27 respectively and continue through mid-July.

“The open houses will be a time for incoming students to get to know about the esports program itself along with talking to people who are in it such as players on some of the teams to hear their thoughts,” said Noah Micke, captain for the varsity League of Legends team. “It’s a good way to get people interested but also help to make that transition easier and know what to expect.”

Other activities supporting esports at Minnesota State Mankato include an Esports Learning Community that pairs new Mavericks with an upper-class peer mentor who will assist in improving competitive game play and making the transition to college life.  

“The learning center or community will be just like most that we have here and be another tool for people to find friends who share common interest, but also people to help guide them through their journey here in esports and in school life,” Micke said.

Maverick Esports is currently recruiting for 2021-22 year with competitors sought for Call of Duty, CS:GO, Fortnite, League of Legends, Madden NFL 21, Rocket League, SMASH, Team Fight Tactics, and Valorant. Esports also support five non-varsity titles. In order to be eligible for fall 2021 varsity teams, students MUST be admitted to Minnesota State University, Mankato and enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits before tryouts.

Minnesota State University, Mankato is an official member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), a leading organization in college-level esports.