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VWU Names Brandon Kwon ’23 as New Director of Esports, Hailey Schumacher ’22 as Assistant Director
Program beginning first season competing in Valorant
University News | August 14, 2024
Â鶹´«Ã½rtb (VWU) is proud to announce the appointment of two of its distinguished alumni to lead its burgeoning Esports program. Brandon Kwon ‘23 has been named the new Director of Esports, while Hailey Schumacher ’22 has been appointed as the Assistant Director. Both Kwon and Schumacher have been integral to the program's growth since its inception, making their elevation to leadership roles a natural progression in VWU's commitment to excellence in this rapidly expanding field. 
VWU's Esports program, a co-ed club that offers students the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level, has been a significant part of the campus community since it was established in 2019. As a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), VWU provides a platform for students to engage in competitive video gaming, a field that has evolved into a global phenomenon and a billion-dollar industry. The program operates out of the state-of-the-art Marlin Esports Arena, located in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. The arena is equipped with 17 high-end gaming PCs, ensuring that VWU's student-athletes have access to the best technology available to hone their skills.
"The Virginia Wesleyan Esports program has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2019, says Kwon. “From our humble beginnings, we have grown into a recognized program nationwide, having hosted multiple in-person events and competing in national playoffs. Esports at Virginia Wesleyan is looking at a bright future as we prepare to continue our playoff presence in the 24-25 academic year and hope to win the first championship for the program."
VWU's Esports team continues to compete in popular games such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Fortnite. Additionally, this fall marks the team’s first season competing in Valorant, a team-based first-person tactical hero shooter that has quickly gained popularity in the Esports community.
Valorant's introduction to the roster reflects VWU's commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as the game is recognized for having one of the most gender-diverse player bases in esports, with 30 percent to 40 percent of its players being female. This aligns seamlessly with VWU's ethos, which emphasizes creating an environment where all students, regardless of gender, can participate and excel. By participating in leagues such as ECAC and NACE, VWU students have the opportunity to test their skills against some of the best collegiate players in the country, fostering a spirit of excellence and continuous improvement.
For students who are passionate about gaming and looking to blend that interest with academic and professional development, VWU's Esports program offers an ideal path. The university's dedication to providing top-tier facilities, expert coaching, and a broad spectrum of career opportunities positions it as a leader in collegiate esports.
As VWU continues to expand its Esports program, the university is eager to welcome new players who share this passion. For more information about the program or to inquire about joining the team, prospective students and players can reach out to Coach Kwon at bpkwon@vwu.edu.