MARION, Ind. - The Indiana Wesleyan University Athletic Department has announced that Esports will be added starting in the 2023-24 academic year as the Wildcat's twenty-second varsity sport.


"What a great opportunity for our athletic department to level up by adding Esports to an already successful department," said Deane Webb, Director of Athletics. "The growth in Esports over the last few years has been incredible, and I am thankful that IWU supports this new opportunity. Like our other teams, we look forward to BOTH pursing excellence while competing AND influencing others for Christ while doing so. I look forward to partnering with our coaching staff in creating a program that is successful every way."


Esports is one of the fastest-growing intercollegiate sports in the country. The Wildcats will compete in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). The association currently has over 240 member institutions and more than 5,000 student-athlete athletes competing. IWU will sponsor several different games in their inaugural year, including Rocket League, League of Legends, and other titles to be determined.


Indiana Wesleyan has recognized Esports as a great opportunity to attract prospective students and anticipates building it into another established competitive collegiate sport.


IWU has committed to renovating an existing location in the Barnes Student Center into an Esports arena with upgrades to the current technology in the area, as well as all new furniture, branding, and equipment specific to Esports. This will provide the student-athletes with their own dedicated competitive space.


A national search for the IWU Esports Head Coach is underway.


If you are interested in joining IWU's Esports program, please fill out a Prospective Athlete Form by clicking HERE.


Email iwuesports@indwes.edu with any questions regarding the program.




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