On the heels of two championships in its inaugural year, Transylvania University’s esports program is powering up for another successful season.
Intercollegiate action officially kicks off next week with teams competing in six popular video games. Until then, the Pioneers are playing to see what skill-level division they’ll be assigned to.
With the new season, most of the squads are switching to the National Esports Collegiate Conference, including League of Legends, Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros. and Valorant. Chess is remaining in the National Association of Collegiate Esports.
The NECC welcomed Transylvania to the conference yesterday:
“I’ve seen a lot of excitement for the upcoming season,” said coach Dylan Osborne, whose program continues to grow with 34 players total this season.
Transylvania’s Overwatch 2 and Valorant teams both won championships in the NACE conference in 2023; the Pioneers moved on to the NECC after the NACE had to limit the number of competing teams in League Of Legends.
“We’re looking to make the same name for ourselves in the NECC,” Osborne said.
In addition to the thrill of winning, Transylvania’s players have been bonding with each other over their love of video games.
Calliope Edwards ’26, captain of Super Smash Bros. and member of the Rocket League squad, made a lot of new friends from hosting a tournament to recruit new players. “I wanted to get into it because I like playing video games — I like having a community.”
Aspen Magill ’27, captain of the Overwatch 2 Gray team, said having the opportunity to play the game as part of a team is rewarding. “It’s just a good opportunity to bond and have fun.”
Magill is also president of the school’s Dungeons & Dragons club, which began using the esports arena as a regular meeting location last night.
Osborne envisions keeping D&D supplies in the arena, including miniature figures and a game board that can display digital maps. Plus, they’ll be able to make the space atmospheric by changing the color of the zig-zag lights and can use the TV screen as a fireplace, for instance, for a medieval tavern vibe.
“We’re trying to make it a more friendly space for clubs outside varsity competition,” he said.
He’s also been hosting outside groups there, including an esports camp for middle schoolers and championship competition for elementary schoolers.
“We’re definitely looking for ways to get the community involved,” Osborne said.
As for his esports program’s winter term season, after the first of the year, new gamers will have until Jan. 27 to register to play on a team. “Find me as early as possible once winter term starts,” said Osborne (dosborne@transy.edu).