By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Students interested in competitive gaming, digital media and the growing esports industry can find opportunities to compete, learn and build professional skills through the esports program at the University of South Carolina Upstate.
USC Upstate describes its program as more than an opportunity to play video games. The university says esports participants receive structured coaching, academic support and experiential learning while becoming part of a campus community centered on competition, teamwork, leadership and personal growth.
Students may compete in several popular gaming titles, including “Rocket League,” “Overwatch,” “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” “VALORANT” and “MARVEL RIVALS.” The university also plans to expand competition into “Rainbow Six Siege” and “Call of Duty.”
Team members participate in structured practices, competitive matches, scrimmages, strategy sessions and film reviews. The program also incorporates physical wellness activities, communication training and team development.
However, competitive players are not the only students who can become involved.
USC Upstate says the program welcomes casual gamers, content creators, first-year and transfer students, commuters and students looking to build friendships on campus. Participants can also gain practical experience in broadcast production, livestreaming, social media, digital marketing, graphic design, event operations, team management, analytics and communications.
Those experiences could help students explore careers connected to the rapidly developing esports and digital entertainment industries, even when they are not competing as players.
The center of the program is the USC Upstate Esports Arena, which includes dedicated gaming stations, practice and competition areas, team collaboration space and streaming and broadcast capabilities. The facility can also host community events and gaming tournaments.
Scholarship assistance may be available for qualified students. According to USC Upstate, eligible out-of-state students may receive an adjustment allowing them to pay in-state tuition, valued at more than $10,000, along with as much as $5,000 in additional scholarship funding each year.
Scholarship decisions are based on factors including competitive ability, academic standing, the needs of the program and the student’s overall fit with USC Upstate Esports.
The program reflects a broader effort by colleges and universities to connect students’ interest in gaming with education, campus involvement and career preparation.
USC Upstate’s stated philosophy is that the “e in esports stands for everyone,” emphasizing that students do not have to be elite competitors to find a role within the program.
Students interested in joining a competitive team, producing gaming content or becoming involved in the campus gaming community can contact the USC Upstate esports program through the university’s website.
