Merle-Smith Takes Over As Director Of Shenandoah Esports
SU alum has held various roles in the university’s esports program over the last five years
Shenandoah University Esports is under new leadership in 2026-27 as Zander Merle-Smith ’21, MBA, was appointed the university’s third esports program director in mid-August.
Merle-Smith, who has been involved with Shenandoah Esports for five years, has risen through the ranks of the program. He served as a graduate assistant for the esports program while pursuing his Master of Business Administration (with an esports management concentration) from Shenandoah in 2021, and he joined former Director Joey Gawrysiak’s staff in 2022, as a visiting instructor. Merle-Smith was later elevated to the title of esports lecturer before being appointed program director in August following the departure of Alyssa Duran, who led Shenandoah Esports for three years, including eight months as interim director before assuming the permanent role in April 2024.
We’re really excited about the future of Shenandoah Esports and the elevation of Virginia esports through a lot of our upcoming projects. The heart of the Shenandoah University Esports program remains unwavering as our incredible students continue to prepare themselves for careers in the industry. I’m thrilled to step into this leadership position and continue the excellence that our program has become known for.”
Zander Merle-Smith, MBA, Shenandoah Esports Program Director
Merle-Smith was named the Educator of the Year at the 2025 Scholastic Esports Awards, and was recognized by the organization for using project-based educational methods to give students hands-on experience in esports event planning, broadcast production and professional networking.
Prior to joining Shenandoah Esports, Merle-Smith was a production lead at Carolina Esports Hub, where he managed the technical production, marketing, broadcasting and scheduling for online events. He also previously served as on-camera talent and color commentator for the Charlotte Phoenix.
Graduate student Carter Van Hecke ’26 is also taking on an expanded role in Shenandoah Esports this year and is the program’s interim coordinator of esports competition. Since joining Shenandoah in 2025, Van Hecke, who is pursuing an MBA with an esports management concentration, has worked on several notable events as a graduate assistant, including the Virginia High School League Esports State Championship, the RedLine Showcase at Richmond Raceway, and the McDonald’s Apple Blossom Gaming Festival.
Van Hecke replaces Fernando Preciado-Leal, who had served as Shenandoah’s coordinator of esports competition since January 2024.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have someone as knowledgeable and detail-oriented as Carter step seamlessly into the void that Fernando left,” Merle-Smith said. “I have worked with Carter for the past year and can say, without a doubt, that he is the right person to take our competitive teams to new heights through his specialization in player development. I’m delighted by the work he has done for us as a graduate assistant and confident that he will continue his fantastic track record in his new position.”
Merle-Smith added that Duran and Preciado-Leal were “incredible leaders” for Shenandoah Esports. “They’ll be missed by our students and staff more than they know.”
