As the world of collegiate esports continues to grow, The State University of New York (SUNY) offers a unique opportunity for both online and on-campus students to be part of its expansive esports league. With 54 SUNY colleges and universities across New York State and nearly 3,000 student players, SUNY Esports is a competitive and thriving community.
Recently, SUNY Esports joined the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC), opening even more doors for students to participate in tournaments, championships, and various events throughout the Northeast. Whether you’re a first-time college student or a returning adult learner, the growing popularity of esports and the launch of SUNY’s new recruitment portal make it easier than ever to get recruited and compete at a higher level while earning your degree.
This guide is designed to help students and their families navigate the path to college esports recruitment.
Different Types of Esports Programs and How to Join a Team
When it comes to esports in college, there are three main types of programs to consider: varsity, club, and intramural. Colleges may offer only one or multiple ways to play esports. For example, a college may offer only a club team, while another may have both varsity and intramural teams. Campus websites and conversations with coaches will provide information on what types of esports programs are offered.
- Varsity Programs
Varsity esports teams are fully sponsored by the college, meaning they receive the same level of support as traditional athletic teams. These programs offer facilities, events, regular practices, tournaments, and a dedicated coaching staff. - Esports Clubs
Club esports teams are less formal but still provide opportunities to compete. Players can participate in competitions, but the structure and level of competition may vary from school to school. In many cases, club teams are started and run by students. - Intramural Esports
Intramural esports programs focus on casual play. These programs provide a fun, less competitive environment where students can enjoy playing without the pressure of structured competition.
Navigating the Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for esports is similar to that of traditional athletics. Athletes research colleges and programs, talk to coaches, create profiles, highlight stats, and submit gameplay footage. SUNY has made it even easier to be recruited to play esports by launching a first-of-its-kind recruitment portal that allows students to enter their contact information so colleges can reach out to them. However, it’s important that students do their due diligence during the recruitment process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started in esports recruitment:
- Identify Opportunities as an Esports Athlete
Start by researching colleges with esports programs that match your desired level of competition. Many colleges feature esports on their athletic homepages if they offer a varsity-level program. With so many college esports opportunities available at SUNY, the SUNY Esports recruitment portal allows you to explore multiple programs and find the best fit for you. - Build Your Esports Profile
When building your esports profile, focus on these areas:- Skill Development: Hone your gameplay skills and stay updated with meta changes. Participate in online tournaments and leagues to gain experience and visibility. The stats aligned with your profile are important, as coaches and other players will look for you online.
- Personal Branding: Create a strong online presence through streaming and social media. Work to develop a personal brand and showcase your achievements to stand out from the crowd.
the admissions process. Whether you decide to pursue an esports-related degree or not, academics are critical to admission. Maintain good grades to meet eligibility requirements for recruitment and admission to the college where you want to play a varsity sport.
- Keep in Touch with Colleges
After entering your name to be contacted by college esports coaches, don’t just submit and forget. Stay engaged and be prepared to contact esports coaches and program directors. Build a list of colleges and prepare a compelling recruitment email or message to introduce yourself.This next piece of advice is critical: if you create a canned response or template, you MUST personalize it every single time. Get the name right! Proofread, customize, and be ready to demonstrate your skills. - Showcase Your Skills When Talking to Coaches
In addition to adding your name to the SUNY esports recruitment portal and reaching out to coaches, show off your skills by attending esports showcases and tournaments to network and get noticed.
Provide gameplay footage and highlight reels that demonstrate your abilities, and emphasize your strategic understanding and teamwork skills.
If a coach is interested in you, prepare for interviews by understanding what they look for beyond just mechanical skills, such as teamwork and communication—all the skills you have been working to develop. Finally, be ready to participate in tryouts if they are made available at your school.
Choosing a College Esports Team
Once you start receiving offers, it’s important to evaluate them carefully and consider the college itself, the cost to attend the college, the financial aid available, and the team culture.
Evaluate the Fit
Before you say yes to the team, make sure you want to say yes to the college. College students who want to attend on-campus should visit the campus and meet with the coach. Ask a lot of questions on your college tour. Virtual students should also ensure the academic environment is what they desire in an online program. While exploring the campus and the teams, assess the program’s culture, support systems, and overall college environment to ensure it is a good fit for you.
It is also important to consider the academic programs offered by the college, especially if you are interested in esports-related degrees. Don’t choose a school that doesn’t offer what you want to study. There are plenty of other options.
Understand the Cost of College as an Esports Athlete
Once you’ve decided on a couple of college teams, research the cost of attending the college. Familiarize yourself with the types of scholarships available, including full and partial scholarships. Compare offers and understand what each one covers in terms of tuition, equipment, and other expenses. Fill out the FAFSA and submit it to the college of your choice to see how much additional aid you might be eligible for as well.
New York students who play esports at a SUNY college can apply for the Tuition Assistance Program(TAP) and the Excelsior Scholarship to lower the cost of college.
Where to Watch SUNY Esports
SUNY Esports offers numerous opportunities to watch live matches and tournaments. Whether you are a prospective student, a current player, or simply a fan, you can follow the action on various streaming platforms. Keep an eye on SUNY Esports’ official channels: @SUNY_Esports on X and @sunyesports on Twitch to stay updated on upcoming events and live streams.
Exploring Gaming-related Degrees
For those interested in turning their passion for esports into a career, SUNY offers a range of degree programs related to the esports industry. Whether you are interested in game design, sports management, or digital marketing, explore the SUNY degree search to find programs that align with your career goals.
Take the Next Step in Your Esports Journey
Getting recruited for a collegiate esports team requires proactive engagement and dedication. Start building your profile, reach out to colleges, and balance your academic and gaming responsibilities. By taking advantage of the resources available to you, including the SUNY Esports recruitment portal, you can pave the way for a successful college esports career.
Start your journey today and take your esports skills to the collegiate level with SUNY Esports.
