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

Team Member	Rank
Captain : Faith Rivera	Bronze 5
Co-Captain : Daniel Sanchez Lopez	Diamond 4
Co-Captain : Cyle Addison	Masters 3
Tyrinia Bellamy	Bronze 1
Xavier Vasquez Amores	Unranked
Shawn Castro	Unranked
Jaylin Alexander Broussard	Platinum 1
Brian Riddick	Gold
Abigail Parnell	Bronze 3
Mekhi Pendleton	Unranked
Joseph Holder	Unranked

Rocket League

Team Member	Rank
Captain : Colby Guiney	Rank: Champ III
Jewel Ward	Champ I
Isaiah Smith	Grand Champ I
Austin Maples	Champ III

Super Smash Brothers Ultimate

Team Member
Captain : Erik Myers
Cyle Addison
Xander Vaquez-Amores
Mekhi Pendelton
Robert Huynh
Felix G Perex Jr.
Daydrian Leake
Riley Edwards

VALORANT

Team Member	Rank
Captain : Harry Lamichane	Silver 1
Ashton Lee	Diamond 3
Katarina	Silver 3
Erik Myers	Silver 2
Micah Ferguson	Gold 3
Michael Zambrano	Gold 3
Kezyah Josey	Bronze 3
Xander Vazquez-Amores	Silver 1
Vaughn Carroll	Silver 2

Marvel Rivals

Team Member
Yaneliz Myers
Cyle Addison
Micah Bailey
Ethan Burkholder
Ibene Ejituwu
Sebastian Kalajdzhyan
Daniel Sanchez Lopez
Amado Sandoval
Xavier Vasquez Amores

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.

young man in front of large screen displaying Mario Kart game in progress

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