Esports Recruitment Efforts Display Program Growth

Truman esports continues to grow at rapid pace, proof of which can be seen in the first high school athletes recruited and signed to the program this spring.

Esports began at Truman in fall 2022, competing in “League of Legends” and “Rocket League.” By its second year, the team added “Super Smash Bros.” and Truman teams have earned multiple divisional championships through the National Association for Collegiate Esports (NACE).

Truman offers varsity and junior varsity esports teams. Participation is open to all students, and open tryouts are conducted each semester. While extracurriculars of all kinds are a draw for prospective students, the program has begun actively recruiting high school athletes specifically to play for Truman esports.

“This signifies the next evolutionary step for Truman esports,” said Jared Young, director of academic affairs operations and director of Truman’s team. “Our athletes train, practice and compete, same as all other sports. We compete nationally against other colleges and universities, and our athletes and recruits are scholarship eligible. Rather than passively filling our ranks from our student population to fill positions on teams, we are now able to actively seek out talent.”

Ethan Rote and Hunter Morsbach, graduating seniors from Clinton County R-III in Plattsburg, Missouri, are the first athletes to commit to the University on an esports scholarship. They will compete for Truman’s “Super Smash Bros.” team starting in the fall.

“Recruiting high school students has always been part of the plan,” Young said. “We began by hosting a few school field trips and became an optional stop for prospective students visiting campus. Now we’re looking to build relationships with high schools and their esports programs in order to bring more talent to Truman.”

Rote and Morsbach recently participated in Truman’s first-ever esports signing ceremony at their high school with Young and their coach, Tom Morsbach.

More information about Truman esports is available on the team website, esports.truman.edu. Up-to-date information can also be found on the team’s Instagram @TrumanEsports. During the school year, competitions are available to stream on the team’s Twitch.