Mayville State University is expanding its athletic offerings by introducing a collegiate esports program. Athletic Director Rocky Larson expressed enthusiasm about the new direction for esports at the university, highlighting the appointment of Coach Ryan Rodriguez as a significant step forward. “We look forward to moving esports at Mayville State in an exciting new direction,” said Larson. He further praised Rodriguez’s recruitment efforts and expressed optimism about the future of the program: “Coach Rodriguez is a great addition to the head coaching staff in this role,” adding, “He’s already done a great job with student recruitment, and we’re excited to see where Ryan takes our esports program!”
Rodriguez joined Mayville State in August 2024 from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. Besides his role in esports, he serves as an assistant men’s basketball coach, taking on responsibilities as offensive coordinator and head strength and conditioning coach.
Esports at Mayville State will focus on team-based competition through video games, emphasizing teamwork and strategy. The sport requires skills such as hand-eye coordination, perception, reaction time, and mental resilience rather than physical conditioning typical of traditional sports. Like their counterparts in other sports disciplines, esports athletes must possess competitive spirit, endurance, and comprehensive game knowledge.
For more information about Esports at Mayville State University, visit www.msucomets.com.
