“At MCCC, our esports participants are considered varsity student athletes,” Kelly Dunbar, the school’s director of athletics and campus recreation, told online attendees during the 2020 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference. “Our program offers a holistic approach that mirrors the traditional sports model to include competition, practice sessions, physical training, nutrition, mental health and academic regimen.”
While esports does open a door for players who might not be able to run a seven-minute mile, competitive gaming has not always been a bastion of inclusivity and diversity. From the Gamergate controversy of 2014 to racist trolls who still target minority gamers online today, gaming has seen its share of ugliness and tension. At MCCC, all athletes (including esports players) are required to take an inclusivity pledge, in which they promise to “foster an inclusive community that treats every person with dignity and respect” and refrain from profanity and all types of bullying.
“Our esports program abides by the motto that ‘e’ is for everyone,” Dunbar said.
MCCC esports team player Victor Walker agrees.
“I feel like esports is an opportunity for anyone to get involved in school in a competitive way,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re not strong enough for basketball or fast enough for track. You can hop in and be one of the best people on the team. I love this program because it doesn’t matter where you came from. If you give it an honest try, you’re going to do great.”