In May, students, faculty and staff from Shenandoah University’s esports program traveled to Arlington, Texas, to work at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup (CECC), the country’s largest annual collegiate esports event. The event took place May 2-4 at Esports Stadium Arlington, the largest turnkey esports facility in North America.
Molly Denz, Ian Burnett, Chase Neukam and Victor Buch
Shenandoah student Molly Denz ’27, graduate assistant Victor Buch ’25, Esports Lecturer Chase Neukam, M.S., and Esports Broadcast Coordinator Ian Burnett were chosen to fill various roles at the event, which is managed by the Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) and Esports Foundry. CECC is the pinnacle of scholastic esports, according to Shenandoah University Esports Director Alyssa Duran, as it brings together individual conference champions from all over the country for a true national championship LAN (local area network) experience.
“Esports is an experience and events like CECC shape our long-term career in ways we don’t see coming for years. To have four representatives from Shenandoah hired out to work – not volunteer – the zenith of collegiate esports events is a feat to be celebrated,” said Neukam. “Most programs are lucky to have one or maybe two representatives hired for the event; to have four shows how Shenandoah is leading by example through experiential learning opportunities. I couldn’t be more proud of our program.”
Denz, who has been nationally recognized for her work as an esports broadcaster, served as a desk analyst for the Rocket League and Overwatch competitions at CECC.
The scale and quality of the production rivaled that of tier-one esports broadcasts. It was an incredible opportunity to not only continue developing my skills as an analyst, but to also witness what it takes to put on such a large event. I loved seeing the passion and comradery of the competitors and school staff, which helped me recognize how important LAN tournaments are to the collegiate esports space.”
Molly Denz, Shenandoah University student
Buch, who recently completed his MBA and a graduate certificate in esports management, was a broadcast observer for the main stage and the Playfly Tournament of Champions 2025.
“I had an unbelievable experience working at CECC,” Buch said. “I was able to learn so much and meet so many great people. I believe the event gave me a better look into what all goes into running such a large event and all the small intricacies that go into it. I would recommend working on an event like this if the opportunity ever arises.”
Neukam served as the mainstage manager as well as on-air desk talent for the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament.
Neukam also was named Advocate of the Year at the EsportsU Collegiate Awards ceremony that took place during CECC. The award celebrates an individual who “best lives the community values of collegiate esports and who has displayed considerable signs of leadership, advocacy, and development as it pertains to helping make the scholastic esports space more inclusive, diverse, and welcoming,” according to CSMG.
Burnett was the broadcast director for the Playfly Tournament of Champions and also filled a general broadcast support role at CECC.
It was a pleasure to be able to attend the most prestigious collegiate esports event of the year. This event is something that continues to showcase the success of our industry. It was also an invaluable opportunity for our students, who were able to travel down to Arlington and obtain hands-on experience working an event of this caliber. I am beyond excited to continue to see Shenandoah Esports represented on one of the biggest stages in collegiate esports!”
Ian Burnett, Shenandoah University esports broadcast coordinator
