The Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that the University of Mary Washington will launch a new program in esports (electronic sports) this summer. It will be a team sport, with competitive and casual programs in place by Fall 2023.
With UMW esports, Mary Washington will be providing a vibrant co-curricular experience that will be shaped and defined by students eager to grow and compete in a burgeoning sport. Having expanded globally over the last decade, esports involves teams competing against each other in video game tournaments both face-to-face and virtually.
"At this moment in time, we have an excellent opportunity to introduce a new team sport program that aligns well with University priorities and has high potential to attract and retain students," said Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo. "We are really drawn to the inclusive nature of esports."
He said that over the next several months, UMW will begin a search for an esports director and will work to identify appropriate venues on campus. He added, "We look forward to hearing from members of the Mary Washington community about their experience with and interest in esports."
For more information, contact athletics@mail.umw.edu. Also, see the FAQ on the athletics website. And stay tuned for more information about the development and initiation of the program.
UMW Esports FAQ:
What is esports?
In its simplest form, electronic sports, or esports, is made up of teams competing against each other in face-to-face and virtual tournaments via computer networks. As with any traditional competition, there are winners, losers, standings, and prizes.
Why esports at UMW, and why now?
With hundreds of millions of esports enthusiasts and with no signs of slowing down. Gaming and athletic participation have always been popular at UMW; the opportunity to expand and enhance students' co-curricular engagement, career development, and friendships with an esports program reflects our unique student culture. With esports, UMW is introducing a program that aligns strategically with University culture and has high potential to address a top priority: the attraction and retention of students.
What is the timeline for implementation?
- Summer 2022: Hire a Director of Esports. This position will be responsible for all facets of the program, including but not limited to:
- strategic planning
- recruitment and retention
- grade monitoring
- academic progress and student-athlete conduct
- team budget oversight
- fundraising initiatives
- social media management
- practice and game preparation
- Fall 2023: Launch of the initial program, consisting of two entities – a competitive program of approximately 25 student-athletes and a casual program of around 75 student-athletes.
What games will UMW esports host and what types of facilities will be part of the program?
The UMW Esports Director will develop a three-to-five-year plan for the program that will include an esports facility, the games UMW will host, and the technical supports the program will need (e.g., PC games only, consoles such as Nintendo Switch, etc.)
In addition, the University boasts several spaces that can welcome spectators for competitive events, including the hosting of high school tournaments.
What compliance regulations will govern student-athletes in esports?
Esports will be classified as a Team Sport within the Department of Athletics. Participants on the competitive team will need to complete the following: Code of Conduct form, Title IX (Step Up!) training, implicit bias training, and athletic training paperwork. In addition to a dedicated director, this program will have access to athletic training services, sports information, strength and conditioning and fundraising opportunities. In addition, esports student-athletes will have representation on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) as well as be included in all departmental programming.
Will the addition of esports change Mary Washington's NCAA status?
Esports will become one of three UMW team sports (along with men's and women's rugby). Currently, Mary Washington has 19 varsity sports. UMW remains committed to providing NCAA Division III athletic programs and conference affiliations that enhance the individual student-athlete experience and create competitive teams.