Southern State eSports team sets new record
By Elizabeth Burkard
SSCC Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College is proud to announce its eSports team has become the largest in the institution’s history, marking a new milestone for its growing competitive gaming program. With a record number of student-athletes participating this season, the team has not only expanded in size but also in competitive success.
Southern State's eSports program currently has 20 students with five different teams competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). These teams include Valorant, Madden, Chess, Smash Brothers, and Mario Kart.
Southern State’s Dr. Joshua Montgomery, Professor of Computer Science, and Russ Clark, Assistant Professor of Physics, serve as Directors of the eSports team. The managers for the team are current students Sevrin Florek and Paige Fetters.
"Southern State's eSports program has become a vibrant hub for students, creating a sense of community while strengthening their connection to the college," says Sevrin Florek, SSCC eSports Manager. " I am excited to see how we can take this already great team to the next level!"
This expansion reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to fostering student engagement, promoting STEM education, and providing new opportunities for students to connect through the fast-growing eSports industry while working to complete their degrees.
“We are incredibly proud of the eSports team’s accomplishments and the hard work put in by every player, coach, and supporter,” said Dr. Erika Goodwin, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “This milestone not only speaks to the passion and talent within our student body but also highlights the growing recognition of eSports as a legitimate and important part of college life and culture.”
The expansion of the eSports team aligns with the college's broader vision of providing diverse extracurricular activities that promote collaboration, strategic thinking, and leadership. With the rise of professional eSports leagues, the college’s program provides students with the opportunity to excel in both gaming and potential career pathways within the gaming and tech industries.
“We have worked hard to build a program that supports students both on and off the screen,” said SSCC Professor Dr. Joshua Montgomery. “It is exciting to see how the team has grown in size and skill. We are looking forward to what the future holds as we continue to build on this momentum.”
The team is currently recruiting for 2025.
For more information about the eSports team and how to join, visit https://www.sscc.edu/esports/index.shtml or contact Dr. Montgomery at jmontgomery@sscc.edu.