E-Sports Team Evolves With New Leadership

New Leadership

Kansas Wesleyan University’s E-Sports program is entering a new chapter under the leadership of Lance Kirby. He recently stepped up from his previous role as vice-captain to lead the Overwatch team. The transition marks a significant shift in team dynamics and communication strategies for the defending spring league champions. Kirby’s leadership style emphasizes open communication and team development. “I believe in bringing out everyone’s voices and encouraging players to communicate their thoughts during and after matches,” says Kirby. “It’s important that team members feel comfortable making mistakes as part of their growth process.”

Program Growth

The program has seen modest growth in participation, expanding from six to seven students this year. Practice sessions, held every Wednesday evening at the university’s E-Sports arena, follow a structured format. Teams arrive at 6:30 PM for strategy reviews, focusing on key aspects such as communication, teamwork, and positioning, before engaging in two-hour scrimmage sessions.

Team Performance

While the competitive season hasn’t yet begun, Kirby reports significant improvements in team performance during practice sessions. “My teammates are adapting quickly to their different roles and showing rapid improvement,” he notes. As defending champions of last year’s spring league, the team has set ambitious goals for the upcoming season, with Kirby expressing confidence in their ability to defend their title. One of the main challenges Kirby faces as captain is maintaining a delicate balance between competitive drive and team spirit. “Some players are here to compete and improve through dedicated practice, while others join for the social aspect and love of the game. Our goal is to create an environment that satisfies both aspects,” he explains.

University Support

Recent changes in university support have brought both challenges and opportunities. While scheduling adjustments have affected arena availability, increased support from faculty and the addition of dedicated game coaches demonstrate the university’s growing commitment to the program. The relationship between the E-Sports team and faculty has strengthened, leading to more productive interactions.

Joining the Program

For students interested in joining the program, Kirby maintains an open-door policy. “Whether you’re looking to compete or just have fun playing games with others, we welcome you to visit the E-Sports room during the day,” he says. Prospective members can also reach out to Kirby or Coach Matt Weis via email to join the team’s Discord server and learn more about the program.

As the team prepares for their upcoming season, Kirby’s leadership continues to develop an environment that balances competitive excellence with team unity, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year for KWU E-Sports.

For more information about the Kansas Wesleyan University E-sports program visit: https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/esports