Maryville University Rockets to Victory in Rocket League Championship

In a landmark achievement, Maryville University has clinched the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Rocket League Championship, marking a significant milestone in the university's burgeoning Esports program. This victory not only highlights the team's exceptional skill and dedication but also underscores Maryville's commitment to fostering a top-tier Esports
environment through substantial investments in infrastructure and resources. Maryville has invested millions of dollars into the Esports program over the years, most recently building out a new facility on campus, including top-of-the-line equipment and hiring the best faculty and staff to lead the program. The university also offers scholarships for Esports students to alleviate
financial roadblocks and to support the overall growth of the program. Maryville has set records in multiple leagues and tournaments, including Overwatch and League of Legends, and although Rocket League is just starting to take off, taking home a win the first year is a nod to the success
of the program.

"For our first year as a team, winning the NECC National Championship at the
end of the year is an exceptional accomplishment," said Andrew Smith, Assistant Esports Director. "Throughout the course of the year, the team faced many ups-and-downs, including learning how to navigate the stresses of college life while competing at a high level. We look forward to the next couple of years in Rocket League and to see what is next for the team."
The triumph in Rocket League—a fast-paced, team-based game where players control rocket-powered cars to score goals in a virtual soccer arena—demonstrates the synergy and resilience of Maryville's team. The win is particularly impressive given the nascent state of the program, which has quickly risen to prominence in the collegiate Esports scene. Jordan Ousley, Director of Esports Media, reflected on the team's journey and the decisive championship match. "Listening to the way we communicated and worked together as a team during the final match felt like all of the pieces came together when it mattered most. For this core of players to start
fresh at the beginning of the Spring semester and close it out with a championship was something special to witness." The players themselves echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the camaraderie and hard work that led to their success. "It felt good to finally win a tournament under Maryville, win my first LAN, and do so with teammates I am good friends with and enjoy playing with," said Eli Price, one of the key players. "Also, the team we beat in the finals didn't lose all weekend, and it felt good to be the team that ended up beating them. Overall, the event was hosted well and was fun to compete in, and I look forward to competing again next year." Alexander Che, another standout player, highlighted the significance of the championship for the team and the university. "NECC was our last chance to prove our potential as a team, and despite all the challenges we faced, we managed to finish the season with the national title. Very happy to be a part of getting Maryville their first RL [Rocket League] championship and continuing in bringing the team more titles to come."

Maryville University's success in Esports is no accident. The investments the university have made not only enhance the competitive edge of Maryville's Esports teams but also provide a professional-grade experience that prepares students for potential careers in the growing Esports industry. The university's strategic focus on Esports is part of a broader initiative to
embrace innovative educational opportunities and cater to the evolving interests and talents of its students. As Esports continues to gain traction globally, Maryville stands out as a leader in collegiate Esports, setting a high standard for other institutions to follow. The Rocket League team's victory is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support, resources, and dedication. The community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this exciting journey, confident that the team's resilience and skill will continue to bring pride and success to the
university.