Hedgesville Student Secures Esports Scholarship with West Virginia Wesleyan College

A New Era in Competitive Gaming

In a significant milestone for esports, a student from Hedgesville High School has earned a prestigious scholarship to compete at the varsity level with West Virginia Wesleyan College. This achievement highlights the growing recognition and support for esports as a legitimate athletic and academic pursuit.

The Journey to Success

The student, who was part of the Spring Mills High School esports team, owes a great deal of his success to the efforts of Jeremy Hubbard, a special education teacher and the team’s coach. Hubbard, who began coaching the SMHS esports team in April 2020, has been instrumental in securing funding and resources to elevate the team’s performance.

Hubbard’s dedication to the team was driven by his own personal journey. Born with cerebral palsy, he was told he would never be able to coach a traditional sports team. However, esports provided him with the opportunity to fulfill his coaching dreams. Hubbard emphasizes that esports is one of the most inclusive sports, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to participate and excel.

Securing Funding and Equipment

A crucial step in the team’s development was securing an $18,000 grant to purchase essential equipment. This grant, awarded after two years of applications, will be used to buy gaming PCs, which are vital for the team’s competitiveness. Each gaming PC costs around $2,000, and the team needs at least six or seven to ensure all members can practice and compete effectively.

From Club to Competitive Team

The transformation of the school’s gaming club into a competitive esports team was spearheaded by Jacob Dawson, a student who wanted to take the club to the next level. Under Hubbard’s guidance, the team joined the North American Scholastic E-Sports Foundation and began competing against national and international schools. This move has not only boosted the team’s confidence but also opened up scholarship opportunities for its members.

West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Esports Program

West Virginia Wesleyan College is a pioneer in collegiate esports, having established its varsity esports program in 2018. The college offers competitive esports scholarships in various titles, including League of Legends, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and more. These scholarships range from $1,000 to $6,000 per year and can be combined with other institutional scholarships and grants.

The college’s esports arena, located in the English Annex building, features state-of-the-art equipment, including Dell Alienware technology. A new arena space in Benedum Hall, set to open in the spring of 2023, will include a competition stage, over 20 gaming stations, and facilities for streaming and production.

Scholarship Opportunities and Academic Integration

Esports scholarships at West Virginia Wesleyan College are not just about gaming; they also come with academic expectations. Students must maintain good academic standing and be in contact with the coaching staff to secure and retain their scholarships. The college’s comprehensive merit scholarship and grant program ensures that students receive substantial financial support, making it easier for them to focus on both their academic and esports careers.

The Future of Esports

The growth of esports is not limited to colleges; it is also gaining traction at the high school level. Schools like Spring Mills High School and Hedgesville High School are investing in esports programs, recognizing the potential for students to secure scholarships and build careers in this field.

As esports continues to evolve, it is clear that it offers more than just a competitive outlet; it provides a pathway to education and career opportunities. With dedicated coaches like Jeremy Hubbard and supportive institutions like West Virginia Wesleyan College, the future of esports looks promising for aspiring gamers.

Conclusion

The journey of the Hedgesville student to securing an esports scholarship with West Virginia Wesleyan College is a testament to the dedication and hard work of both the students and the coaches involved. As esports continues to grow, it is likely that more students will find opportunities to combine their passion for gaming with academic and athletic excellence.