Concordia launches esports program

Concordia University, Nebraska today announced that it will launch a competitive esports program beginning in the Fall 2020 semester. To lead the program, Concordia has hired Ryan Hinds, a co-founder and board member of the Nebraska Schools eSports Association.

“Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and we are excited to provide our students an opportunity to pursue their passion while receiving their degree from a nationally-recognized Christian university,” said Scott Seevers, Concordia senior vice president for enrollment and marketing.

The esports program will operate similar to Concordia’s current performance areas, where students can earn talent-based scholarships for their participation. Team members will learn valuable skills that will translate into their vocations such as marketing, communication, teamwork, responsibility and ethics. Hinds, who has coached the esports team at Elm Creek High School in Elm Creek, Nebraska, will immediately start recruiting players for the fall. 

“I am excited for this opportunity to help equip students with the skills they’ll need to be successful in their future vocations,” said Hinds. “The ability for our students to work as a team in a supportive and fun Christian community sets Concordia’s esports program apart from others in Nebraska.”

Concordia’s esports program will consist of teams participating in League of Legends, Overwatch and Rocketleague, three of the most popular games in college esports. Concordia has joined the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), a nonprofit membership association that governs more than 5,000 student-athletes at more than 170 member schools. As of June 2019, more than 94% of all varsity esports programs in the U.S. are members of NACE, with more expected to join in the future.

For more information about the Concordia esports program, visit cune.edu/esports.