The following message is from the UMW Department of Athletics.
The Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that the University of Mary Washington will launch a new program in esports (electronic sports) this summer. It will be a team sport, with competitive and casual programs in place by Fall 2023.
With UMW esports, Mary Washington will be providing a vibrant co-curricular experience that will be shaped and defined by students eager to grow and compete in a burgeoning sport. Having expanded globally over the last decade, esports involves teams competing against each other in video game tournaments both face-to-face and virtually.
“At this moment in time, we have an excellent opportunity to introduce a new team sport program that aligns well with University priorities and has high potential to attract and retain students,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo. “We are really drawn to the inclusive nature of esports.”
He said that over the next several months, UMW will begin a search for an esports director and will work to identify appropriate venues on campus. He added, “We look forward to hearing from members of the Mary Washington community about their experience with and interest in esports.”
For more information, contact athletics@mail.umw.edu. Also, see the FAQ on the athletics website. And stay tuned for more information about the development and initiation of the program.
