Esports

UNC Pembroke's Varsity Esports program offers students the opportunity to represent the university in competitive gaming on a national stage. The program emphasizes student engagement, teamwork and leadership development. Teams are student-focused and are overseen by captains who assist the head coach in practices and maintaining team morale.

UNCP Esports competes in Playfly College Esports, now part of PlayVS (Play Versus)—a leading platform for organized high school and collegiate gaming.

This partnership gives our players access to national league play, skill-based divisions and a professionally run environment where they can represent UNCP against schools across the country. With PlayVS’s support, we’re building a stronger, more competitive program with more opportunities for our student-athletes to grow and succeed in esports.

Overwatch 2

Captain: Faith Rivera
Rank: Bronze 5

Co-Captain: Daniel Sanchez Lopez
Rank: Diamond 4

Co-Captain: Cyle Addison
Rank: Masters 3

Tyrinia Bellamy
Rank: Bronze 1

Xavier Vasquez Amores
Rank: Unranked

Shawn Castro
Rank: Unranked

Jaylin Alexander Broussard
Rank: Platinum 1

Brian Riddick
Rank: Gold

Abigail Parnell
Rank: Bronze 3

Mekhi Pendleton
Rank: Unranked

Joseph Holder
Rank: Unranked

Rocket League

Captain: Colby Guiney
Rank: Champ III

Jewel Ward
Rank: Champ I

Isaiah Smith
Rank: Grand Champ I

Austin Maples
Rank: Champ III

Super Smash Brothers Ultimate

Captain: Erik Myers

Cyle Addison

Xander Vaquez-Amores

Mekhi Pendelton

Robert Huynh

Felix G Perex Jr.

Daydrian Leake

Riley Edwards

VALORANT

Captain: Harry Lamichane
Rank: Silver 1

Ashton Lee
Rank: Diamond 3

Katarina
Rank: Silver 3

Erik Myers
Rank: Silver 2

Micah Ferguson
Rank: Gold 3

Michael Zambrano
Rank: Gold 3

Kezyah Josey
Rank: Bronze 3

Xander Vazquez-Amores
Rank: Silver 1

Vaughn Carroll
Rank: Silver 2

Marvel Rivals

Coming Fall 2025

Learn how to try out, where we play, what’s expected and how you can get involved in UNCP Esports on and off the screen.

Practice & Competition Space

The Varsity Esports program is housed in the Hawks Nest, providing a state-of-the-art training facility equipped with high-end gaming computers. Students use this space for practice, competition and casual play.

All players have access to the lab, though personal peripherals like headsets and controllers are recommended.

Tryouts & Team Selection

Tryouts are held at the beginning of each semester and are open to all currently enrolled full-time students. All students, including returning players, must try out each year. Team selection is based on performance during tryouts and players are evaluated using consistent and transparent criteria. While in-person participation is preferred, virtual arrangements may be made when necessary.

Academic Expectations

To remain active on a team, players must be full-time students, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and show satisfactory progress toward graduation. This standard helps ensure students balance academic and competitive commitments successfully.

Travel & Events

Esports students have the opportunity to travel for competitions and conferences. Participation in off-campus events strengthens team bonds and expands networking opportunities within the growing collegiate esports scene.

Whether you’re aiming to compete or just want to connect with other gamers, there's a place for you. Recruitment happens year-round and students are encouraged to express interest even if they’re new to competitive gaming.

Want to learn more about our program? Stop by one of our events, check BraveConnect to see where we'll be next.

BraveConnect

Members of the UNCP esports team playing video games together