Esports is in the midst of each of their four teams’ seasons: Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros Ultimate and iRacing. This season is one of learning and growth. 

“Overall, this season, we’ve been placed into some pretty tough conferences. Playing against strong rosters in Rocket League and Smash Brothers has done a lot to help our new players grow and improve. The experience our rosters have been getting against top-ranked teams such as Maryville, Wichita State, UT Dallas, and Kansas is invaluable,” shared head coach Jeff Shell.

Photo of the ETSU Esports Rocket League season schedule. (Contributed/etsuesports Instagram)

While playing against strong and highly ranked teams calls for constantly changing goals, the teams have been going head-to-head with these schools and coming out with close matches.  

The Overwatch team has learned to fight hard against challenging opponents and sits with an overall score of 4-2. 

“The team has really been enjoying this season and the opportunity to play against solid rosters, and they’re taking a lot away from it,” recalled Shell. 

Overwatch is looking towards the rest of the season and playoffs with their heads held high and their goals attainable.

Photo of the ETSU Esports Overwatch 2 season schedule. (Contributed/etsuesports Instagram)

“Our playoff hopes are still 100% within our control, and we’re putting in extra focus toward our match against Maryville on the 10th,” said Shell. 

This season, esports has welcomed numerous new players to various teams. Whether they are new to collegiate esports or new to college altogether, navigating a new playing field can be a struggle sometimes. 

“I think the mentality of the team this semester has been excellent overall. We came into this year with a new focus and regimen centered around development and growth. The danger for players with development seasons is that losses start to overshadow the hard work that the teams are putting in,” commented Shell. “But the players and I are seeing the individual and group improvements week over week, and how close these matches against really good teams have been speaks volumes to the players’ resolve and their drive to improve.”  

A big part of any sport is fan support. ETSU students have been showing up for the esports teams, which provides players with enthusiasm and encouragement. 

“The fans have been a rock for this group throughout the fall season. The community built around esports is strong, and the support both during the matches and after is felt by the teams. As the fall season winds down, the teams are putting in extra time to make sure that when we come back in the spring, we come back delivering the kind of results this program is known for.” said Shell. 

Remember to keep cheering on the esports players as they compete on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights.

Photo of the ETSU Esports Smash Ultimate season schedule. (Contributed/etsuesports Instagram)

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