Valparaiso University has announced plans for the launch of an esports program that is set to begin in the fall of 2019. The University will offer competitive esports through the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE).

“We are very excited to be adding a new opportunity for our students to compete not only on a national, but also an international level,” Valparaiso Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera said. “Esports is the fastest growing area of competition globally with an expanding viewership not only online, but also on traditional broadcast outlets. Gaming has become an established part of the lives of many of our students, and we are excited to give them a formal way to make it part of their Valpo experience.”

The program will be housed under Valpo Recreational Sports and will be playing “League of Legends,” which is one of the most popular titles in the esports community. The platform uses a 5-on-5 format.

“We are incredibly excited to offer this opportunity to our students and the many generations of Valpo students to come,” Valparaiso University Associate Director of Recreational Sports Tristan Leonhard said. “Esports is an emerging, competitive field with multiple collegiate championships and given that there is already a large amount of student interest on campus in creating a team, we are ready to hit the ground running.”

Popularity on the professional level has led to the expansion of esports, which is now offered in over 130 colleges and universities. There are over 3,000 student-athletes who are members of NACE, which connects collegiate esports programs across the country to one another. The member-driven organization focuses on the positive development of esports programs at the collegiate level. NACE is committed to helping members grow strong esports programs to benefit Universities and students alike. The organization has seen rapid growth since launching with seven colleges and universities in July 2016.

“While we are eager to put together a team that can win matches, this provides the opportunity to create a new sense of community on campus from the beginning,” Leonhard said. “Competitive gaming creates an inclusive environment that embraces teamwork, leadership development, problem solving and communication skills. Esports will allow for students to continue to succeed and build character in various activities outside of the classroom.” 

About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a comprehensive independent Lutheran university with more than 3,500 students on its campus located in Northwest Indiana, an hour from Chicago. Valpo is a community of purpose-driven, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion. Valpo has been identified as one of the top master’s-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 30 years. Valparaiso University offers more than 110 undergraduate academic programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering and Nursing and Health Professions. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college, a Law School, and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness and dedication to serving others.

About NACE
The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) is a nonprofit membership association organized by and on behalf of our member institutions. Together, our members are developing the structure and tools needed to advance collegiate esports in the varsity space. We are collaborating to lay the groundwork in areas such as: Eligibility, Path to Graduation, and Competition & Scholarships. NACE is the only association of varsity esports programs at colleges and universities across the U.S. with over 100 member institutions and growing.