Webinar/Podcast
December 19, 2023
Join us for our latest addition in our Careers in Esports Webinar Series featuring Jason Deshong and Sky Kauweloa, Collegiate Directors at University of Hawaii and Grand Canyon University
In this edition, we explore the collegiate esports director career pathways with Nyle Sky Kauweloa, Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Jay DeShong from Grand Canyon University. Esports directors in postsecondary education institutions are responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of the esports program on campus. This includes registering teams/players for competition, recruiting players for all supported titles, scheduling practice and match times, managing coaches for each title, and assisting with events as needed.
The webinar is a must-attend for students and educators alike, providing a unique perspective on the expanding realm of esports careers far beyond the more conventional roles of players and coaches.
In the rapidly growing world of collegiate esports, Sky Kauweloa and Jay DeShong are emerging voices making a mark. As directors in this growing field, they've contributed to shaping its future. This blog post covers a webinar where Sky and Jay shared their experiences and advice, offering valuable insights for students, gamers, teachers, K12 educators, and esports coaches.
Structured esports programs in colleges and universities are more than just gaming clubs—they are essential platforms for growth, both academically and personally. Sky and Jay emphasized the importance of longevity and consistency in these programs. Sky recounted his own experiences growing up with Street Fighter II and how gaming played a crucial role in his life. Similarly, Jay spoke about his early years playing Super Mario Bros and Call of Duty, highlighting how these experiences shaped his competitive spirit and leadership skills.
Both directors stressed that structured esports programs provide a sense of permanence that grassroots initiatives often lack. With dedicated support from the institution, these programs can offer students a stable environment to develop their skills over time.
Gaming isn't just about entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for skill development. Through their personal stories, Sky and Jay illustrated how gaming helped them hone essential skills such as leadership, communication, and socialization. Jay shared his experiences running a Call of Duty clan, which taught him how to manage diverse teams and communicate effectively. Sky, on the other hand, talked about how gaming helped him break social barriers and connect with people from different backgrounds.
Schools play a vital role in supporting students’ passion for gaming. By integrating esports into the academic curriculum, schools can help students develop these essential skills in a structured and supportive environment.
Success in esports isn’t just about winning games; it’s about personal growth and development. Sky and Jay shared several inspiring success stories from their respective programs at the University of Hawaii and Grand Canyon University (GCU). From students landing jobs at top companies like Riot Games to overcoming personal challenges and emerging as leaders, these stories showcase the transformative power of esports.
For instance, Sky talked about a student who leveraged her bilingual skills to become an essential part of the Overwatch League broadcast team. Jay highlighted the achievements of Tiana Mitchell, who created an all-women’s Valorant team and secured a partnership with Rockstar Energy.
For those looking to break into the operational side of the esports industry, particularly marketing, Sky and Jay offered practical tips. Building a portfolio is crucial—document your work, even if it’s not perfect, and show your progress over time. Networking is equally important. Reach out to industry professionals, attend events, and make connections that can open doors for you.
Jay emphasized the importance of understanding your “why.” Reflect on what you want to achieve in esports and stay focused on that goal. Sky added that combining your passion with technical skills can set you apart in the industry.
GCU has partnered with the USAEL to provide grants to high schools, helping them equip their esports programs with the necessary gear and technology. These grants aim to create pathways for students from high school to college, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
By supporting high school esports, we can nurture the next generation of esports talent and provide them with the opportunities to develop their skills from a young age.
Esports is more than just a hobby—it’s a powerful educational tool that can help students develop essential skills, build communities, and achieve personal growth. Sky and Jay’s insights highlight the importance of structured esports programs in academia and the positive impact they can have on students, teachers, and coaches.
Whether you’re a student looking to break into the esports industry, a teacher interested in integrating gaming into your curriculum, or a parent wanting to support your child’s passion for gaming, the future of collegiate esports is bright and full of opportunities.
Join the movement and be part of the future of esports in academia with the USAEL, where we balance academic curriculum with competitive esports to help students thrive both as esports players and in their academics.
Jason Deshong is a prominent figure in the esports community, known for his influential roles ranging from the President of Mississippi State Esports Club to an esports event admin and further even as a Coca-Cola Esports Ambassador. His journey in esports began with the founding of his first organization during the "Call of Duty: Ghosts" era, eventually leading to pivotal roles with Dallas Fuel/Team Envy and MainlineGG. Deshong's dedication to the field is rooted in his personal history – growing up and finding solace in baseball before transitioning to esports. His accomplishments, such as orchestrating the first ever nationwide Madden tournament and creating the Kid Collective for VALORANT community tournaments, demonstrate his commitment to fostering esports communities and his passion for the industry.
Sky Kauweloa, an esteemed academic in the realm of collegiate esports, authored the first major dissertation in the field of collegiate esports and played a pivotal role in integrating the Overwatch League with university programs, supervising over 40 interns. His eclectic background, marked by a passion for gaming, surfing, and skateboarding, fueled his innovative research that led to the formation of the University of Hawaii Esports. Under his leadership at UH Manoa, he focuses on nurturing diverse and indigenous communities, exemplified by the establishment of the Women of UH Esports. Kauweloa's academic pursuit in esports, sparked in 2014, was significantly shaped by the pioneering esports model at Robert Morris University.
