Since the University launched its Esports Program in 2019, it has steadily evolved. Over the last five years, multiple Red Flash players have made a name for themselves in the gaming world.
Jacob Garrity is a senior Computer Science and Engineering double-major who has competed on the SFU Esports team since 2021.
He has competed on organized teams dating back to 2019 when his alma mater, Central Cambria High School, created its inaugural Esports squad. An Ebensburg native, Garrity serves as team captain of SFU’s Valorant White Team and mostly plays the sentinel role.
“My favorite part about Esports is getting to play with a group that is just as committed to the game and improving as I am,” said Garrity.
The senior said competing on an Esports team at the collegiate level requires more time and effort than many people realize. He said that competing at this level takes a very thorough understanding of the game.
Garrity’s team is currently 6-0. The team’s last game of the regular season was on Nov. 5 and the playoffs will begin soon.
“Esports has given me leadership opportunities and allowed me the chance to learn to work with a team, both in leadership roles and as a general team member,” said the Valorant White Team captain.
Emma Kent is a junior Social Work and Psychology double-major who has competed on the SFU Esports team for three years.
She serves as team captain of the Overwatch White Team and plays flex support.
“I value the friendships I’ve found in the program,” said Kent. “Those mean the most to me, especially meeting people who share common interests.”
Kent became captain of her team at Saint Francis in the spring semester of her freshman year in 2023 after the captain who trained her graduated.
“I’ve learned to advocate a lot for my players, which I’ll need to do for my clients in the mental health field,” said the Hastings, Pennsylvania native.
Kent’s Overwatch White Team is currently 4-2. Its last game of the regular season is Nov. 7, and the team is in prime position to advance to the postseason.
Kent said she sometimes becomes frustrated with misconceptions held by some students regarding Esports participants.
The Cambria Heights High School graduate said that SFU’s Esports players are involved in multiple activities on campus, and she emphasized that there is no set demographic for Esports players.
She said she is proud of the evolution of her team as well as that of the SFU Esports Program overall.
All the SFU Esports teams conduct open tryouts each semester. Both Garrity and Kent encourage anyone who wants to get involved with the program to tryout next semester.
