LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Spalding University is adding a new team to its athletic department.

Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. It's grown into a multi-billion industry and interest locally has grown throughout the years.

Trevor Johnson was announced as Spalding's head coach for the school's first ever esports team last month. Johnson started his career in esports as a commentator for the video game Call of Duty. He then helped develop Manchester University's esports program.

Trevor Johnson coaches at Spalding University - Dec. 3, 2024.JPG

Trevor Johnson coaches at Spalding University's GameZone in Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 3, 2024.

"Esports has been a big part of my whole life. I started playing Call of Duty with friends on ranked play, I spun that into being a commentator for Call of Duty, a couple amateur leagues, I did that for a couple years and then started working Esports in my undergrad institution."

Johnson later earned his Master of Science in esports business at the University of New Haven. He's originally from southern Indiana and decided to move back closer to home to lead the new team. 

"The timing couldn't have been better," Johnson said. "I knew it was a great school and it felt like the perfect opportunity."

Johnson is now tasked with recruiting a roster.

"For getting players, it's about finding out who is on campus, who is interested in esports," Johnson said. "Figuring out what games we want to play has been a really important one, I want to appeal to the most people possible for competition. I think in building up the esports community here, we can make people more aware of what it is and how to be involved."

The team plans to compete in Super Smash Brothers, Overwatch, Rocket League, Call of Duty, Valor and Fortnite.  

Alyssa Smallwood is a freshman who enjoys being involved in on-campus activities. She's on the softball team, but also has an interest in gaming.

"I've always really liked video games, knowing I can competitively play them is really cool to me," Smallwood said. 

After playing games throughout her youth, Smallwood is more confident in her gaming abilities.

"I've seen myself get better. When I was younger I never really grasped games as well as I do now," Smallwood said. "I understand how to play a game a lot more now."

Alyssa Smallwood practices at Spalding University - Dec. 3, 2024.JPG

Alyssa Smallwood practices at Spalding University in Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 3, 2024.

Spalding University built a gaming lounge with eight computer stations a few years ago for students. The team will be able to utilize the space for practices. 

Johnson wants to esports competitors at Spalding to develop as games and people.

"These video games you have played your whole life and now there is an opportunity to take this and get an education while you're doing it," Johnson said. "Competing at the next level, that's a really big talking point."

Smallwood said the new team also gives students the chance to connect with their campus community.

"It's important because we're a small school, so having more opportunities for students to get involved on campus and get involved with each other as well, it represents Spalding," Smallwood said. "Spalding is a community, we're small, we do things together, everyone knows each other."

Johnson said the team plans to start competition next fall. The esports team is housed under Spalding's athletic department, but the NCAA does not govern collegiate esports.

To learn more about Spalding esports, click here.

Spalding University has more than 1,700 students enrolled. To learn more about Spalding University, click here.

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