Holy Family University Athletics to Add Esports in Fall 2022
Joining a growing list of college Esports programs, Holy Family University Athletics will add Esports as its newest varsity level sport in Fall 2022 bringing its program to 15 sports.
Joining a growing list of college Esports programs, Holy Family University Athletics will add Esports as its newest varsity level sport in Fall 2022 bringing its program to 15 sports. The Esports program will compete in multiple popular games including League of Legends, Valorant, and Super Smash Brothers.
“We are excited by the upcoming launch of Esports at Holy Family,” said Anne M. Prisco, Ph.D., President of Holy Family University. “While this comes in response to student interest as a campus engagement activity, our varsity Esports team will launch in tandem with an expansion of academic programming, including a new minor in Esports and Gaming Administration. Students with an interest in Esports can now turn their passion into the knowledge they will need to prepare them for one of the hottest career trends.”
“Competitive gaming on college campuses provides an additional outlet for on-campus activities for prospective and current students,” said Holy Family University Director of Athletics Tim Hamill. “In addition, Esports instills many of the lessons learned from competing in traditional sports, including discipline, preparation, strategic thinking, and teamwork. We are looking forward to welcoming our first Esports team this fall.”
Esports, also known as competitive gaming, has become overwhelmingly popular with students on college campuses across the country. Holy Family University’s program will compete in a first-rate Esports facility in the heart of campus. The University is
renovating space on the first floor of its Campus Center with state-of-the-art gaming equipment and custom branding to become the team’s home. Construction will soon be underway with an anticipated completion date in August 2022.
LINK TO HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY ESPORTS FACILITY RENDERINGS
In addition to housing the varsity Esports team, the venue will provide opportunities for students to participate in competitive gaming through the intramurals program or to convene for casual gaming.
The Holy Family Esports program will join the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). Through this organization, student-athletes will compete online against students from other universities and colleges of all sizes in games. NACE is the
leading collegiate esports governing body with more than 150 schools from across all three divisions of the NCAA, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the junior-college landscape.
Student-athletes in the Holy Family Esports program will be held to the same academic standards as their peer student-athletes who compete in NCAA-sponsored sports. Roster spots will also similarly be based on merit and talent, with tryouts held annually.
Students interested in being recruited for or competing in varsity level competitions can contact Collin Sibilia, director of Esports, at csibilia@holyfamily.edu or 267-341-3289.