A new competitive esports team will be coming to the University of Wisconsin-Superior and preparations are already underway to launch the program forward in the immediate future.
With the team planning to begin play for select titles as early as the Spring 2024 semester, co-head coach Brady Stocker believes that a smaller launch of the team early on will lay the groundwork for future success.
“We feel good about one or two titles already,” said Stocker. “Rocket League, that’s going to be our guinea pig to start and if we can run that right, we really want to expand all the other titles.”
With games like Call of Duty, Valorant, and others on the horizon for the school, the team is not just focused on those with prior talent at each title, as Stocker and company are creating an inclusive space for those of all skill levels looking to try their hand at esports.
“You can be brand new and wanting something new if you’re a beginner at it, you don’t have to be a superstar,” said Stocker. “That’s the beauty in this thing, whereas other things across campus you know, maybe you have to be really good at it and then you get your opportunity, you can be a beginner and become a part of this esports family.”
UWS Esports will be moving into an “esports lab” in one of the main buildings on campus.
Students can expect to see changes and developments with the chosen space after winter break, with the university’s first team, Rocket League, beginning play in the Spring semester.