Hi! My name is Austin, and I’m so excited to be in this role as Esports Head Coach at Kingswood University! I grew up in Maryland, but spent all of my teen years in Central Pennsylvania. While in PA, I came to faith in Christ and received my call to ministry when I was 16 years old. I enrolled at Kingswood in 2021, and am still a student as of starting this position! I spent a good chunk of my childhood loving video games and the unique ways that it allows people to connect. Back then and especially today, gaming has been a social experience where I work with others to think critically and quickly to accomplish a goal together. I’ve been playing games competitively for a while too, playing in my first Super Smash Bros. tournament in April of 2021! While I didn’t always win, I cherish all those years of experience travelling for and even hosting my own tournaments with my friends before stepping into this role.

Having the opportunity to contribute in a really meaningful way to both my university and a hobby I adore is such a blessing to me. This esports program will have real impact on the lives of the students here at Kingswood, creating space for gaming to be a constructive social activity and a place of healthy competition for students to participate in. It will also be a great source of school spirit as we compete against other universities at the collegiate level. The whole student body can celebrate wins with us, not just those who are into video games. Esports also gives Kingswood students a place to be salt and light into a digital unreached people, a missions field that—like many competitive environments—can often be full of unhealthy, unchecked anger. We preach Christ into this place, carrying with us the gospel of peace as we are proud, respectful winners and graceful, mature losers in every practice and tournament. Join along with me in cheering on our Kingswood Esports team and celebrating all the wonderful things they’ll accomplish!