Esports at Averett University is more than just a game; it is a growing community of dedicated students pushing the boundaries of competitive gaming. As the team continues to make strides in its season, competing in tournaments every Tuesday, the team is coached by Corey Thompson. We gain insights into their journey, challenges, and what drives their passion for esports.
For Coach Corey Thompson, success isn’t measured just by wins and losses but by the effort and growth of his players.
“As long as the students show up, put in 110 percent effort, and give their best performance, that’s all I can ask for. No matter the final score, if they leave the game knowing they gave everything they had, that’s a victory in itself,” Thompson said.
Thompson also shared some of the biggest challenges in the esports field, especially in motivating students.
“Not everyone understands esports yet; it’s a different atmosphere compared to traditional sports. One of the challenges is keeping the students motivated, especially when they are balancing their studies with gaming. They have personal struggles as well, and part of my job is to support them through that,” he explained.
When it comes to competition, preparation is key. Thompson detailed how he ensures the team is ready for every match.
“Practice is everything,” he said. “We focus on basic mechanical skills, strategizing, and developing a solid game plan. We also make sure the players have the proper funding and facilities needed to succeed. Some players enjoy investing in game skins and other features that enhance their experience.”
His journey into esports coaching began unexpectedly, but his passion for mentoring students has only grown over time.
“I initially took a coaching job at a high school to make some extra cash, but I quickly realized that I could help students beyond just making them great athletes,” he said. “I saw how I could positively impact their academics and personal growth. Seeing my players succeed, both in and out of the game, is what I love most about coaching.”
One of the standout players on the team, Daniel Olasoko from Lagos, Nigeria, shared his experience as an esports athlete and how he handles the pressures of competitive gaming.
“When I feel pressured, I take breaks,” Olasoko said. “Practicing back-to-back can be overwhelming, so I make sure to give myself time to recover.”
When asked about his esports inspirations, he immediately named a well-known figure in the industry. “Tenz is a really good player; I look up to him in the competitive gaming scene,” he said.
The team is currently in the middle of its season, competing every Tuesday against other schools. Olasoko described what a typical training session looks like for the team. “It depends,” he explained. “If we’re working on strategies, we discuss them first and then go into a custom game to practice. If not, we all just jump into a game together to build teamwork.”
Olasoko also shared how he ended up playing Valorant as his primary game.
“I originally joined the esports team hoping to play Call of Duty Mobile, but there wasn’t a team for that,” he said. “At the time, the main teams were for Valorant and Counter-Strike. I tried Counter-Strike for a week, but then the coach invited me to a Valorant practice, and I’ve been going ever since.”
Having been part of the team for over a year now, Olasoko has seen firsthand the growth of esports at Averett University.
Currently, the esports team is competing in a season-long tournament against other schools. The program continues to expand, with several games being played at a competitive level. The dedication of the coach and players is evident, and as awareness of esports grows, so does the passion for the game at Averett.
For students interested in joining, the esports team welcomes players from all backgrounds and skill levels, offering a chance to be part of a community that is shaping the future of competitive gaming.
