Each year, Olivet offers more ways for students to achieve both their professional goals and personal passions, while pursing Education with a Christian Purpose. As the team prepares to kick off the 2024 season of inter-collegiate competition, ONU Esports continues to grow a notable and passionate spectator base among the student body and wider community.
But as an emerging sport, this campus phenomenon does require a bit of explanation for newcomers.
How Does Esports Work at ONU?
Olivet’s Esports program is as structured and rigorous as any traditional sports team. Players dedicate time to practices, strategy sessions, and matches. They compete in games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League, some of the most popular titles in the world of Esports. Each game has its own team and players take on specific roles, just as in traditional sports.
“We’re committed to treating Esports with the same level of respect and structure as any other sport on campus,” says Ryan Manes, Director of Esports at Olivet Nazarene University. “Our players practice multiple times a week, working on their skills and strategies. They’re athletes in every sense of the word.”
Coaches play a crucial role here. They don’t just train players to click faster or have sharper reflexes; they teach students to think strategically, work as a cohesive unit, and perform under pressure. Matches are often live-streamed, bringing an audience to each intense game.
“We want everyone to be able to cheer on our players,” Manes explains. “Streaming matches means that students, parents, and even prospective students get to be part of the excitement. It’s amazing to see the support from people who might not have ever watched a competitive game before.”
More Than Just a Game: Career Skills Through Esports
While gaming might seem like a solitary activity, Esports is the opposite. The program requires players to communicate clearly, trust each other, and adapt in the heat of competition. In an era where teamwork is paramount in the workplace, Esports cultivates collaboration in a way that resonates with students.
“Every player is a part of something bigger than themselves,” Manes shares. “They’re learning that teamwork is everything. In the middle of a match, you have to trust that your teammate has your back. That trust and reliance on each other is something that stays with them long after the game ends.”
Then there’s the aspect of strategic thinking. In fast-paced games, players must make quick decisions that can alter the course of a match. This teaches them to assess situations rapidly and react thoughtfully, an ability that extends beyond the screen. Olivet’s Esports players are developing cognitive agility that could prove useful in diverse fields, from engineering to finance to healthcare.
“We’re not just teaching them how to play games,” Manes adds. “We’re giving them tools that can apply to any career. Esports teaches resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving—all valuable skills, whether you’re on the field or in the office.”
Scholarships for Esports: Attracting Talented Students
Olivet Esports is about more than just appealing to existing students; it has become a magnet for prospective students and their families. The program attracts students who otherwise might not have discovered Olivet.
Scholarships are available at Olivet for top Esports players, which makes ONU an attractive choice for students who excel in gaming. “Our scholarship opportunities are a huge draw,” Manes notes. “Students who never saw themselves as scholarship athletes are finding a path to college through Esports. We’re proud to help students who might not have considered college discover what they’re capable of here at Olivet.”
Building Community Through Competition
The rise of Esports at Olivet Nazarene University is about more than just keeping up with trends; it’s about building a community where students feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Gamers find camaraderie with like-minded peers and share in the excitement of representing their university in competition.
“Esports is one of the most community-oriented programs we have,” says Ryan. “It’s amazing to see the friendships that form, not just among players but with fans and supporters. When we play, the whole campus is behind us. It’s a point of pride for the entire community.”
To learn more about the Esports team and follow this season’s competitions, click here.
