Jeffery Fricke-Waters, DePaul’s esports coordinator, says the Esports Program takes a student-centered approach and promotes equity. (DePaul University/Keeton Holder)
From Apex Legends to Super Smash,
DePaul Esports
is the perfect gaming hub for button mashers and tactical masters alike.
Official DePaul Esports teams compete in conferences, national collegiate
tournaments and leagues. But the program offers many opportunities for
gaming enthusiasts to get involved.
“The program stands out for its strong emphasis on community and a sense of
belonging,” says staff member Jeffery Fricke-Waters, DePaul’s esports coordinator. “This
student-centered approach enables us to focus on events and initiatives
that promote equity and equality, supported by our DePaul Esports Equity
Board, to prioritize student interests and adapt the program based on their
passions.”
With World Esports Day on the horizon on Oct. 21, Fricke-Waters discusses efforts to professionalize the sport with student inclusion at the
forefront.
What first sparked your interest in esports, and how did you turn that
passion into a career?
Growing up as a gamer, I was deeply involved with competitive gaming,
especially in Pokémon and Super Smash Brothers during high school and
college. Although esports was still emerging and not widely recognized as a
viable career path, I pursued it passionately alongside my academic
pursuits. After working as an academic advisor, I seized the opportunity to
become an esports coordinator, combining my love for gaming with my desire
to work in collegiate environments.
What are your responsibilities as the esports coordinator?
As esports coordinator for both our Lincoln Park and Loop campuses, I
oversee campus teams, schedule tryouts and manage Big East Conference and league participation. I also handle event planning throughout the year and oversee esports student organizations.
How can students get involved in esports, both as players and
enthusiasts?
The main hub for interaction is the
DePaul Esports Discord
channel, an active community platform where students can connect with team
captains and student leaders who provide updates on team formations,
tryouts and upcoming events. We hold watch parties for official events and
friendly competitions that are open to all students, like our upcoming Fall
Fighters Festival on Oct. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Gaming Center. Food
and prizes will be available, and
registration is required.
The Gaming Center is located at the DePaul Center Concourse and offers a
variety of high-end PCs and game consoles, making it ideal for relaxing,
socializing or passing time between classes.
Beyond gaming, the DePaul Esports Equity Board fosters an inclusive
community within esports. With positions gaming liaisons for the Latinx,
LGBTQIA+, Black communities and more, the board focuses on creating
affinity spaces and organizing events for diverse student groups. This
initiative not only enriches the esports program but ensures it remains
welcoming and accessible to a broad spectrum of the student body.
How do you see the growth of the esports program at our university?
I envision DePaul’s growth in esports as a blend of professional practices,
athletics and student engagement, with a goal of fostering a sense of
community and belonging. Like traditional athletics programs, we emphasize
routine practice, competition and teamwork, which are essential for both
personal growth and the program's long-term stability. We aim to
professionalize the program by building on our strong base of 200 to 250
competitive students, and the high engagement we see in our gaming center.
How has the reputation of esports changed in the mainstream over the
past few years?
The perception of esports in the mainstream has significantly improved in
recent years, marked by its inclusion in high-profile platforms such as the
Olympics, where an esports event was recently approved. This recognition
not only places esports more firmly in the public eye but also validates
its athletes, equating their efforts to those in traditional sports.
How do you collaborate with other departments or clubs?
We frequently participate in student involvement events, particularly in
the Loop, ensuring a strong esports presence at these gatherings.
Additionally, we have organized special events like gaming retreats for the
Office of Human Resources, providing a fun and engaging experience for
staff.
We've partnered with
Global DePaul to host gaming events that add a fun dimension to our
outreach efforts. Our program also supports charitable causes,
collaborating with Extra Life and Lurie Children's Hospital to host an
annual overnight gaming marathon. These collaborations significantly
enhance the depth and reach of our esports program and represent our
vibrant and inclusive gaming community at the university.
To learn more, follow
DePaul Esports
on Instagram or
visit their website.