Brescia University has announced the addition of eSports, as well as competitive cheer and dance, to their athletic department as intercollegiate sports starting in Fall 2017.
“Brescia University’s strategic plan calls for continued growth of enrollment and continued development and promotion of an athletic culture,” stated Father Larry Hostetter, President. “The addition of both an eSports program and a competitive cheer and dance program will allow us to not only work towards both of these goals, but it will expand the difference that Brescia University can make in the lives of students by providing additional scholarships to incoming students with a variety of interest.”
eSports is an emerging form of competitive gaming and Brescia University will be one of only two private schools in the Commonwealth to offer eSports as a varsity sport. Brescia University will be joining the University of Pikeville, who announced their inclusion of the program early last year, as part of the National Collegiate eSports Association (NACE), an organization dedicated to unifying the collegiate eSports under one governing body.
While eSports is not formally recognized by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the organization will be supporting the program and will be providing the eligibility requirements for students participating.
Brescia University will be offering scholarships to talented League of Legends players, with additional games added as the program develops. Students representing Brescia University for eSports will compete against NCAA Division 1 schools at the varsity level in a variety of competitive matches.
“We are proud to be a founding member of NACE and for our eSports students to compete at the varsity level,” said Joshua Clary, Vice President for Student Affairs, who serves on the NACE Board of Directors. “My goal for any of our student athletes is to have a holistic experience at Brescia. By adding eSports to our scholarship athletic program, we will compete against the best collegiate eSports programs from around the country. Our eSports athletes will complete the same requirements for the Champions of Character program with the NAIA and will perform community service like our existing varsity sports.”
The eSports program will mirror that of Brescia University’s other championship athletic programs, providing students with a holistic experience that challenges them mentally and physically, and trains them mind, body and soul.
Brescia University will also be adding competitive cheer and dance to their offerings, as one of only two independent schools in Kentucky that offer scholarships for the sport. The program will be co-ed and will involve students participating in competitions, as well as, cheering at Brescia University athletic events.
Recruitment for both programs is currently taking place and students interested should contact Admissions at [email protected] or 1-877-BRESCIA.