Eastern Michigan University recruits top talent for esports teams

YPSILANTI, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – Michigan colleges recruit the best athletic talent, and not just for the sports field.

The world of video games is changing rapidly. Competitive gaming is attracting more and more people around the world, even at the college level. College Signing Day is no longer reserved for football stars.

“Yeah, I got to put on a hat. Stand up. Eastern Michigan University. That was cool,” said Jacob Bennet, the incoming freshman at EMU.

Bennett is the 2024 national high school champion in the game Rocket League. Eastern Michigan University has recruited him to join its 40-plus-person esports team.

“Esports is a stepping stone in the lives of all of our students,” said Zach Lewis, EMU’s esports coordinator.

Although their program is only about a year old, they already have varsity teams in all major college esports and are attracting top talent. But their program focuses on more than just winning.

“You get instant access to the community that we’ve built. You get instant access to all of these resources that are really geared towards making you a better, more well-rounded member of society,” Lewis said.

They offer professional development opportunities that go beyond training to become a pro gamer, such as internships and courses in media production, sports and business administration. They also work on personal development.

“All of our students who participate in our program can learn how to cook and exercise. They have access to mental health resources, wellness resources, academic coaching resources,” Lewis said.

Bennett said he met most of his friends through esports, learning leadership skills and perseverance and planning to learn even more while playing for EMU.

“Being on the team will help me keep my GPA high. It will help me grow with the school and become more involved in school. Yes, I’m looking forward to that,” Bennett said.