Shenandoah University Esports has seen some familiar faces assume leadership roles within the program – including at the very top – so far in 2024. Alyssa Duran, who served as the program’s interim director for most of the 2023-24 academic year, was named Shenandoah Esports’ second program director in April. Additionally, Fernando Preciado-Leal took over as coordinator of esports competition in January, and recent graduate Ian Burnett ’24 was named coordinator of esports production in May.
Duran, who competed for and coached esports at St. Ambrose University prior to joining Shenandoah, became the Hornets’ coordinator of esports competition in August 2022 before taking over as SU’s interim esports director a year later. She was named Shenandoah’s new esports director in April and was a finalist for Director of the Year at the 2024 EsportsU Collegiate Awards.
In addition to serving as esports director, Duran assists in teaching various esports courses at SU and serves on the Competition Council for the National Association of Collegiate Esports.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time working with Shenandoah Esports over the past few years and I am looking forward to leading this program in my new role,” Duran said. “Our students and staff within the esports program and School of Business are incredibly passionate and hardworking people. I am looking forward to continuing our work in esports and education with this fantastic group!”
Preciado-Leal began his new role as coordinator of esports competition at the start of the calendar year after spending the past two years as SU’s Call of Duty coach and manager of esports outreach. His experience includes competing for collegiate and professional teams and coaching at multiple universities. In his current role, Preciado-Leal oversees Shenandoah’s competitive esports teams and the development of the coaches for the varsity program.
Fernando has an extensive history of coaching and player development. His experience has already led to positive change in our competitive outcomes and I’m looking forward to his continued success in this position.”
Alyssa Duran, esports director
Burnett, who earned a Bachelor of Science in esports management from SU in May, filled various roles within the esports program during his time as a student. He competed for the Hornets’ Rocket League, Call of Duty, Valorant and Counter Strike: Global Offensive teams, was a coach for the Rocket League team, and was the student esports production coordinator from January to May before assuming the role of coordinator of esports production after graduation.
Ian Burnett has been a core member of our broadcast production team over the past four years. His technical talent and storytelling skills contribute to the creation of professional-level broadcast shows. In this new role, Ian will be able to lead and work hand in hand with students to raise our broadcast to new heights.”
Alyssa Duran, esports director
Shenandoah Esports will also welcome Chase Neukam as an esports lecturer in July. Neukam has worked in esports at St. Cloud State University, St. Ambrose University, and Ball State University, and has a positive track record of high-quality event management and tournament organization.
Chase has an extensive background in collegiate esports. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him in many different roles within the industry, and I am confident that Chase’s passion and expertise will bring firsthand knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities for students to engage with the esports industry in their courses.”
Alyssa Duran, esports director
Learn more about Shenandoah University Esports at su.edu/esports.
