Two leaders in Shenandoah’s esports program are finding success in the national esports arena.
The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), a global leader in esports competition and engagement, recently announced that SU Esports Program Director Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D., will serve as chairman of its board of directors, and that SU Esports Coach and Assistant Program Director Zach Harrington will be a member of NACE’s Competition Council.
This is a tremendous opportunity to serve the board of directors and the entire NACE membership. It means a lot to be elected to be a representative and voice for all NACE members to help in growing and steering NACE strategically moving forward. I am looking forward to working hard to provide the best experience possible for all students and member institutions in NACE, as well as to be an advocate in growing the association and finding opportunities beyond gaming.”
Dr. Joey Gawrysiak, Esports Director
As chair, Gawrysiak will set the agenda, run meetings, act as a representative of the board during business meetings regarding strategic partnerships, and report to membership the annual reviews from the yearly convention.
Gawrysiak was nominated by a current member of the board of directors, after which his position was voted on by the rest of the 10-member board. He will serve for two years as chair and then for one year in an advisory, non-voting role.
Harrington will serve on NACE’s Competition Council for three years. The council oversees all competition provided by NACE including game selection, league format, rules, scheduling, and providing support on competition days. All issues and matters surrounding esports competition within NACE pass through the council, where members provide feedback and a vote on issues when necessary.
There are 10 members serving on the council, and all representatives are collegiate faculty and staff who are voted into their positions.
It’s an amazing opportunity to help ensure the quality of competition in collegiate esports going forward. “With the partnership between NACE and CSL Esports, we expect larger competition numbers than ever, making this a pivotal point as NACE continues to establish itself as the leader in collegiate esports. My priority is to be an advocate for the students and ensure the quality of their experience during competition.”
Zach Harrington, SU Esports Coach and Assistant Program Director
This isn’t the only recognition the duo have recently received. In July, NACE named Gawrysiak as Program Director of the Year and Harrington as a finalist for Rocket League Coach of the Year.
