October 3, 2022
Competitive computer-based video gaming is the newest sport added to the athletics roster at Tallahassee Community College. The esports – short for electronic sports – team will compete against other National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) colleges with games like Call of Duty, Rocket League, Smash, Warzone, Vanguard, and Mario Kart. The season kicks off on Monday, October 3 at 6 p.m.
“Collegiate esports teams are rapidly expanding across the country, and we are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our students,” said Dr. Sheri Rowland, Vice President for Student Affairs. “I am incredibly proud of what we are building here at TCC and look forward to watching the team compete.”
The College debuted its Esports Arena, located in the Lifetime Sports Complex, in advance of the season opener. The arena has 10 computer stations that will be used for practices and official play.
“The launch of our esports program is an exciting time for TCC and our students,” said Chuck Moore, Director of Athletics. “To compete within the NJCAA allows our students to do something they love while competing at a national level.”
The team roster currently sits at 17 members. To participate in an NJCAA-sanctioned game or scrimmage, a student-athlete must be a full-time student in good academic standing. The team is led by Mark Cornett, head coach for esports.
“As a brand-new program, we’ve already made great strides,” said Cornett. “Our Rocket League team has already qualified for the NJCAA Esports Invitational, as did two of our SuperSmash players. Our War Zone, Vanguard, Mario Kart, and FIFA teams are also ready for upcoming competitions.”
NJCAA Esports, the national governing body for two-year college esports in the United States, is proud to provide two-year college esports teams with governance, competition, and official national championships. The governing body also provides guidance and positive development for two-year colleges to build and operate esports programs. Established in the Fall of 2019, the association continues to establish new partner relationships that assist in the growth of esports programs, add new titles for increased participation, and dedicate resources to the recruitment of new members.