UArizona Esports Launches List of Students in Inclusive Esports Academy Program
Esports Academy is a Program Built to Expand Opportunities for Gamers on Campus, in a more lenient Way than the Varsity Program"
Tucson, October 5th, 2023 - UArizona Esports is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Academy Program alongside their official rosters. Designed to provide a structured and inclusive gaming environment, this program is creating opportunities for gamers who seek a more flexible and more accesible competitive experience. With the launch of 8 Academy teams covering 5 different esports, the breadth of competitive gaming opportunities on UArizona’s campus continues to expand.
As opposed to the UArizona Esports Varsity program, UArizona Esports Academy offers a more flexible time commitment, making it accessible to a wider range of students. An important aim to this initiative is to encourage gamers to form teams in games that have yet to make their mark in varsity competition, opening the door for the creation of new varsity teams in emerging esports.
"We're incredibly excited about the UArizona Esports Academy program," said Ian Escalante, Director of UArizona Esports. "This initiative represents our commitment to embracing diversity and expanding our reach within the gaming community on campus. It's a unique opportunity for us to stay connected with the collegiate esports and gaming community within the university while fostering a sense of belonging among gamers of all levels."
Key features of the UArizona Esports Academy program include:
Accessibility: The program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of students, allowing them to pursue their passion for gaming without the intense time commitment typically associated with the Varsity program.
Pioneering: Gamers have the chance to create teams in games that may not yet be part of the varsity esports lineup, encouraging innovation and the development of new esports opportunities.
Inclusivity: The program is open to all skill levels, welcoming both competitive gamers and those looking for a more casual gaming experience.
Building: Through the UArizona Esports Academy, students will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, build lasting friendships, and engage in the vibrant gaming culture on campus.
The UArizona Esports Academy program reflects the UArizona Esports commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive gaming community while staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving world of collegiate esports. With this initiative, UArizona Esports aims to provide an enriching and supportive environment for gamers to thrive academically and socially and further their commitment to the UArizona community as a whole.
UArizona Esports is proud to announce the following 8 teams and their incoming UArizona Academy athletes:
Second Chance - League of Legends
hrn
UncleImpasta
DKS Hybrid
Kevgotti
1800bagelluver
Wood-Divison - League of Legends
catboy
gorigaming
Jams101
serene sea
Nightlight
Fruit Based Cocowaters (FBC) - Overwatch
big bear
Doblin
Insomnia
JustSomeGuy
TKL
Wave
Mirage - Rocket League
Kotala
Dew
BlueNinja11103
Dabirdy
Sw33t0404
SmashCats - Super Smash Bros Ultimate
ShadowPigeon
Gazelle
Gavin
Phoenixfiress
QwrtyMan
Feline Force - Valorant
Bri
KelleyKat369
icee
melizzo
Lupin
Backup Team 3 - Valorant
LuxArgentum
ShadowPigeon
Ao
Parmashawn_Cheese
Squeethum
Wilburs Wallopers - Valorant
Kappa
skumbagwill
Shmurda
Dileuz
Nick
For media inquiries, please contact: Gracie Lordi, Head of Communications and Content Creation, glordi@arizona.edu
Note to the Editor: High-resolution images and interviews with program representatives are available upon request.