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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Columbia Basin College
STATE:
WA
If you are looking for a well supported Athletic Esports program, Columbia Basin College could be the fit for you! Located in Pasco, WA, we are always looking to recruit for: *Overwatch 2 *Valorant *Rocket League (We also support nearly 12+ other titles at the Club Level). Our Esports program strives to offer an Athletic Scholarship and custom jerseys to EACH of our Esports Athletes to be proud and share with their high school and families! We offer up to 40% of tuition in Athletic Scholarships, which can stack with additional Academic Scholarships. Our teams have at least one LAN tournament against University of Idaho built into the season. Go Hawks!
NJCAAE MEMBERS
The NJCAAE is the home for 2-year colleges!
With a focus on breaking down barriers, the NJCAAE is an association focused on and invested in its members, their staff, and most importantly, their students' success.
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The NJCAAE helps with a student's academic journey and success through engaging, and meaningful activity, ultimately helping them create lasting connections.
Program Development
The NJCAAE assists with all aspects of esports program development through materials, professional development, connection, and more.
Space for Everyone
The NJCAAE supports engagement activity that is open for anyone an institution wishes to engage in regular, friendly esports activity. This is a powerful tool for recruitment and community building!
NEWSLETTERS
25-26 Issue #37
- Page 8
ARTICLES
James Borchers
October 26, 2022
Mia White
![Player Spotlight - Bradley Jamison wix:image://v1/13631f_c361f6370e3648ada8617bd6a9704bbf~mv2.png/Bradley_J.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-15T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Bradley Jamison (he/him), 21, currently attends Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) in Hickory, North Carolina. Jamison is completing his final semester and will graduate with four degrees and three certificates, including his associate degree in science and an associate degree in business administration. Going above and beyond his many degrees and certificates, Jamison is the Esports Head Captain for the CVCC Redhawks. He is also the Fortnite Captain and President of the Accounting and Business Club at CVCC.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"80ump1808","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"yi8881809","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Originally from Vale, North Carolina, Jamison moved to Maiden, North Carolina, about four years ago. His high school did not have an esports team, but he played tennis and participated in Quizbowl. When starting at CVCC, he said he didn’t know anyone and didn’t plan to join any clubs/sports, until he saw on the CVCC website that there was an esports team starting up. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"3beqc1811","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8euml1841","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I emailed our coach and I was one of the first two players on the team. I’ve been with the team through thick and thin, moving to three separate locations until we finally landed in our permanent spot, and now we have almost 30 members,” said Jamison, “I play a bit of everything, but I mainly play Valorant and Fortnite. I try to play everything that we compete in just so that if someone needs an extra person for practice, I can hop in and help my teammates succeed! I mainly just practice any free moment that I get, along with using aimlabs and playing with people of a higher rank so that I can learn from them.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"a809u1813","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"rreog1854","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Jamison expressed that he is honored to have been able to be with the program all of these years and that everyone on the team is a wonderful person, with a bright future ahead of them. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"23e7m1815","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"3zrq21867","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“The NJCAAE is a great organization and they allow the different community colleges the chance to compete all around the country, which still blows my mind sometimes,” said Jamison, “I do think that there are a bunch of stereotypes about esports, and gamers that do bother me, including the ‘all gamers ever do is play video games’. As a team, we all have classes (and we had 13 NJCAAE All-Academics in the past 3 semesters), we work out together, some of us play Dungeons and Dragons together, and we try to go bowling or out to eat once every two weeks to hang out! While video games are a big part of our culture, we don’t sit and play video games every second of the day.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ii8l91817","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wdd411891","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Jamison’s favorite video game character of all time is Cal Kestis from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. His friendship with his droid, BD-1, and the survivor spirit to find others like him puts Cal at the top of his list. In addition to the many degrees, certificates, and gaming, Jamison plays the guitar and the drums. He also calls himself “an avid Dungeons and Dragons player.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"relke1819","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"o2td11915","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“My advice to young gamers would be to keep trying, any improvement is a big improvement. I just started playing Valorant in July of 2022, and we made it to playoffs this season. Nothing is impossible if you believe in it and try your best at it,” said Jamison.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"cerof1821","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8k0871928","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"With Jamison’s associate degree in business administration, he would like to eventually open up his own restaurant. “I’m hoping to open up an 80s-themed bar/arcade, that will have the typical bar foods, like wings and burgers,” said Jamison.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"hy5h01823","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"yr9og1941","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Five years from now, I see myself either opening up or have already opened up my bar/restaurant, along with being an assistant coach for CVCC Esports,” said Jamison. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"aqc0l1825","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"bvgpc1954","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"In the very near future, Jamison and CVCC are having a 24-hour stream on Friday, December 16th, starting at 12 pm EST. Tune in here: ","decorations":[]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"https://twitch.tv/cvccredhawks","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://twitch.tv/cvccredhawks","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T16:02:17.213Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T16:02:17.213Z","id":"d6b23b8b-76ed-4283-b6ad-6f38ed882b49"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Maddie Davidson wix:image://v1/13631f_ea4fcdebc0af43888b527469f327cdd0~mv2.png/maddied.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-11T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Madison (Maddie) Davidson (she/her), 18, is from Loudoun County, Virginia, and currently attends Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). This is Maddie’s first year attending NOVA as an engineering A.S major with plans to transfer to Virginia Tech for computer science in the Fall of 2024. She also participates on the NOVA esports team and plays multiple games. ","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"6ogfb5636","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"xznui5637","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Did your high school have an esports team, and if so, did you participate?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"q2sje5639","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"d6bg25940","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“We had an esports program that participated in PlayVS leagues and our Rocket League team even won the Virginia state championships. I helped manage the club along with funding the program and sponsoring a Minecraft SMP server,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"7al4f5641","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"72dnc5920","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Can you tell me about your current school?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"b435n5644","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"nj1m85900","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“NOVA is so welcoming and offers the same experience one may expect from a four-year school. I have already made so many new friends and been welcomed by so many individuals, and even gotten the opportunity to help out the esports program by being a team manager! I feel as though NOVA does its best to offer many different accommodations and learning opportunities by having smaller class sizes, many resources for tutoring and success, and the courses are designed to better transition and prepare you for next-level education- whether you decide to transfer or aim for an associates degree! Another benefit of NOVA is that you can take your time to transfer. It is a great option for those who cannot afford the excessive costs of tuition, and/or want to take a longer period to transfer so that they may focus on work or other factors,” said Davidson, “ One of my favorite aspects of NOVA so far is the diversity of its students. There are individuals from all over the world, some young and some old, and it is so interesting to be able to engage with peers and learn all about their lives.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"jo1q55646","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"p749g5879","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Davidson explained that while she may not play any games exclusively, she goes through periods of hyper-fixations of them. She has played and plays the following: first-person shooters such as Valorant and Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, and Apex. She also loves party games such as Jackbox TV and Overcooked.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"2fgxe5648","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"vs1jg5858","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“My main priority right now has been Valorant, while I help manage the Valorant teams under the esports program at NOVA. I also aim to be on the all-female team in the spring,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"egd815650","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"omrca5837","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Davidson’s strategy is to jump right into things, rather than warming up while playing games and competing. Her focus is to have fun and not get angry or frustrated because she believes that will lead to resenting the game(s).","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"irnz25652","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"hpirr5816","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I actually use this way of thinking in my everyday life as well,” said Davidson, “I have always struggled with putting myself out there and reaching out for opportunities in fear of being judged or rejected, but eventually realized that I will miss out on everything if I do not just jump in! If I had not put myself out there, I would never have received my position as a team manager for NOVA esports or made the friends that I have made within my first semester. Joining the esports program has given me confidence and allowed me to relieve my anxiety about all of it.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ectvm5654","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"obeo75795","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Davidson said that being a part of a collegiate team has been one of the best opportunities she has ever received so far and has been able to grow relationships with all of the team members, as well as see their improvement and hard work over the past semester. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"mdprc5656","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"7wjn45774","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“The NJCAAE has offered so many opportunities for various teams within our program to have a chance to play and compete for a championship! The various leagues offered have a wide variety and do their best to provide a smooth tournament feel bracket for easy team participation. It has given those who attend 2-year institutions a chance at participating on a regional-level team that many would not expect to receive in community colleges,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"fkux15658","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"9clje5753","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Do you have any advice for young gamers?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"um4475660","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"arf0e5732","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Do not let anybody tell you that video games are a waste. If it makes you happy, then nobody should take that away from you. But remember, there is always a balance between the real world and the internet. The world is constantly growing and technology is becoming more mainstream, so why shouldn't you be able to have a career in the field? Put yourself out there and have fun,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ctjy65662","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"hatay5711","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Davidson is currently an engineering A.S major, focused on computer science and programming. As mentioned previously, she wants to transfer to Virginia Tech in 2024. While at Virginia Tech, she wants to minor in criminal justice. She also wants to focus on programming video games, and eventually be able to work for the government and be involved in the behind-the-desk scenes of the crime force.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"gpipw5664","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"uhak65690","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I am not one to plan too far ahead, while everything in life is subject to change and I try not to hold expectations on myself. Hopefully, in five years I will be engaged to my current significant other while we both pursue careers that satisfy us. For me, as long as I am happy with whatever career I choose then I say that is a life well lived! I also hope to pick my streaming career back up on the side as a hobby, and maybe even come out with my own indie game release,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"bvw755666","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"u717c5668","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Find Maddie here: ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"jtnno5670","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Twitch: ","decorations":[]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"https://www.twitch.tv/mzddiee","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://www.twitch.tv/mzddiee","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"brmmg5673","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Instagram: ttv.mzddiee","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:53:28.659Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:53:28.659Z","id":"3e37e168-34c4-457d-977f-9313e91c58cb"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Henry Hoang wix:image://v1/13631f_584a2f97c03f47edb90dfe1f81a45da8~mv2.png/hhps.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-11T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Henry Hoang (he/him), 19, currently attends Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) as a Rocket League player on their esports team. Hoang is a sophomore studying information technology (IT) and the cybersecurity field. He is Vietnamese but was born and raised in Orange County, California.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"nkkqp6724","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"14gsr6725","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“At Annandale High School, where I went before NOVA, I had the opportunity to join a Rocket League team there but was cut short due to the pandemic. However, being able to play, learn, and spend time with friends at NOVA really enlightened me on the aspect of being an esports player,” said Hoang, “I play Rocket League for Nova, a soccer game that involves rocket-powered cars battling to see who scores the most. Playing for NOVA is very different from playing by myself, with teammates that communicate on positioning, when to go or not, and just being able to understand everyone always improves my game. Whether I am reanalyzing losses or wins, strictly in the training lobby striving to learn a new move or just playing more to be consistent at things I’ve already learned, improvement is key to getting better.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wr4vk6727","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"300q66752","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"When Hoang is not gaming, he is studying, exercising, and spending time with his family. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"rpw7m6729","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"084r96763","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Being a full-time student at Nova depending on the time of the semester like midterms and finals is when things get a little difficult to manage, but having a team that understands and will help you, makes that stress feel a bit easier to handle,” said Hoang.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wvrgt6731","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"afaa16774","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"After his time at NOVA, he has planned to get as many COMPTIA certifications as he can, to begin his journey into the work field, but of course not forgetting about Rocket League. Hoang said Rocket League has taught him that if you put the hours into it, you will reap what you sow.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"9vgkw6733","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"y8nr36785","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“The NJCAAE is a perfect place to hone your skills and test them across other teams to compete against a title. Knowing this, you have to prepare and thus train your mind to be ready for anything, or anyone. Being an esports player doesn’t come with any stereotypes, if you’re around the people that are saying that, simply disassociate from that group. Everyone is definitely different and I for one am proud that I get to play at a collegiate level for a community college,” said Hoang.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"umbs16735","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"o20bk6805","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Lee Sin from League of Legends has always been Hoang’s favorite player. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"jvcl66737","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"jb9896816","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I’m not sure if it’s because he’s a blind monk that traversed his way to being a champion, but something from him stood out and I’ve always used him for that reason,” said Hoang.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"9vr846739","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8gi1g6827","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Five years from now, he hopes to have a job that can support all of his endeavors, keep food on the table, and a roof over his and his loved ones’ heads. He also wants to still be playing Rocket League, or any other games in his free time. Finally, he hopes to have his dream car by then, so that he can “have a blast driving through neighborhoods”. If you see a Rocket League player in a Toyota Supra driving through your neighborhood in 5 years, it will most likely be Henry Hoang, a NOVA alum!","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:56:02.652Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:56:02.652Z","id":"2f8b839e-b2c1-4550-8a74-d3b8fc9c6a81"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Ayden Veik wix:image://v1/13631f_a171b42a248744a88db8c47f391b3916~mv2.png/PS_Ayden.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-06T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Ayden (Blitz) Veik (he/him), 19, is a first-year student at Central Community College studying business administration. Originally, Veik is from Humphrey, Nebraska. Now, Veik plays for the Central Community College esports team.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"2jbf34913","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wj27b4914","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“[Central Community College] is very well put together with good sports teams but our esports team takes the cake. This is the first year we have had esports and I made the team right away. I play Call of Duty and only that. I started playing Vanguard once I found out I made the team and have been grinding MW2. I used to play all the older CODS. Everything before infinite Warfare to be honest,” said Veik.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"g2a934916","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"olt534960","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Originally a console player, Veik made the switch to PC and said he has improved greatly because of this. According to Veik, he had been playing with a console controller ever since he was five years old. After he finishes school he plans to coach an esports team at his old high school. Veik would also like to start his own business one day.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"xn6kc4918","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"oia1u4919","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I love being part of this team. Since we are a first-year team, what we have accomplished has been very exciting for our coach. Our coach used to play esports at Ohio State University,” said Veik.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"u4iea4921","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"1wzxi4981","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I love the NJCAAE; they are so connected with all of the other teams and host great tournaments and playoffs. I’m super excited to keep playing,” said Veik.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8kfom4923","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"glln14992","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Five years from now, Veik sees himself with his own place to live including a personal gaming room.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"3p8e15064","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{}},{"type":"IMAGE","id":"vtz4j5063","nodes":[],"imageData":{"containerData":{"width":{"size":"SMALL"},"alignment":"CENTER","textWrap":true},"image":{"src":{"id":"13631f_83595380adde4674ad5c1b3bbce2dd01~mv2.jpg"},"width":314,"height":236}}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"lavym5065","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"twyjw4928","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Find Veik on YouTube: ","decorations":[]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Veik YouTube","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DxDe3v7V8LuinVFcBFN6g","target":"UNKNOWN"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:50:47.905Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:50:47.905Z","id":"0ffd3ee6-e3cd-42ee-93c2-716ef9eb2c57"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Jono Edmonson wix:image://v1/13631f_5b01a6d86c92402ea17cd9aac655b25b~mv2.png/jono2.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-05T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Jono Edmonson (he/him), 19, is currently a freshman at Heartland Community College, majoring in Communications. Edmonson has hopes to eventually be a sports analyst or go into the commentary field. Edmonson is from Bloomington, Illinois, where he attended Normal West High School. He competed in NBA2K as a senior and won the state championship.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"he1id2136","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"rkyno2137","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Coach R., who was my high school coach is also my college coach now. I love it at Heartland so far. Teachers are helpful and supportive, as well as the athletic department. They’ve been a huge part of my success so far. Coach R. makes sure I get everything that I need to succeed,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"c8vfu2168","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8nz852139","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Edmonson plays NBA2K and Madden 5. He said he practices daily and is constantly online, playing against the most competitors that he can. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ff1j02180","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"cgqsl2141","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“My main strategy isn’t much of a strategy and more of a saying that I like to live by, “if you love it, it’s not work”; NBA 2K and Madden are something I love playing, as well as basketball and football themselves. So working out, and coaching for those sports isn’t work, it’s just something I love to do. Makes life easier when you get to do things as opposed to having to do things. I learned that from my old basketball coach, Coach Saunches, last year,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wgiut2202","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"dh0jt2143","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"What do you plan to do after you finish your current program at school? ","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"dd9192145","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ny5b02298","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I’m going to learn how to best apply my skills in the workplace. I am working on my communication skills and understanding of the media. Hopefully, I will transfer to an HBCU and play in the HBCU esports league. Then I can try to finish out school and get a job within the league, or on a more pro level,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"nnn5q2384","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{}},{"type":"IMAGE","id":"k2gjb2383","nodes":[],"imageData":{"containerData":{"width":{"size":"SMALL"},"alignment":"CENTER","textWrap":true},"image":{"src":{"id":"13631f_e04d1f5b402f40b5ba0705262f7a8608~mv2.jpg"},"width":292,"height":218}}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"iu9732385","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"qxtob2288","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Edmonson expressed that his time on the Heartland esports team has been great so far. He also said that his teammates are very supportive of him.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"td2a02150","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"neju62268","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I think the only thing that bothers me is the stereotype that gamers aren’t actually doing anything; or that it’s easy, and that the average person doesn’t do esports. I think esports should gain a little respect. The average person couldn’t beat me in any of the games I play, nor can they beat other good esports players. We put a lot of work into what we love to do, and it should get the same recognition that other hard-working people get,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"adzgh2152","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"fp4cb2228","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"In the future, he wants to work for a major company doing commentary, and have at least one national title under his belt (if not more). ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"q24zj2154","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"z16sx2218","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“My advice to young gamers would just be to block out the noise. Don’t let others’ opinions keep you from competing in the games you love. Work at your craft, and go have fun,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:46:17.240Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:46:17.240Z","id":"76be2b73-b838-4438-a542-48e6d6c266ff"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Adam Hardin wix:image://v1/13631f_6be64db759854bb2a8eb7e5967fc01ab~mv2.png/adamhardin.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-04T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Adam Hardin (he/him), 21, is currently finishing up his last semester at Barton Community College. Hardin is originally from Savanah, Georgia, but moved to Kansas and now studies to be an Online Network Specialist, while participating on the Barton Esports Team. Hardin currently plays Call of Duty: Gunfight, Mario Kart, and Rainbow 6 Siege. ","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"c46ai20323","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"IMAGE","id":"a75mo20322","nodes":[],"imageData":{"containerData":{"width":{"size":"SMALL"},"alignment":"CENTER","textWrap":true},"image":{"src":{"id":"13631f_ae2d2fdf7cb64f5a94e443e5c82488ee~mv2.jpg"},"width":193,"height":210}}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"y85j820324","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"u896219991","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Hardin does a lot to make sure he can be the best player possible. Hardin expressed that practice makes perfect; as he also works with his teammate Kindric (catnipgod). Hardin also finds watching films of his opponents playing to be helpful, so that he can strategize how to take advantage of their typical plays. To Hardin, it is the same as studying for tests or quizzes for school.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"3buw919993","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"4r62z20190","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Are there any stereotypes about gamers/esports that bother you or you think are untrue and why?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"sy7wp19996","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"wog8b20162","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Gaming makes you violent. People assume that shooter games will influence kids so that they do bad things with guns or steal. I think that is untrue,” said Hardin.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"4lr8m19999","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"bqp2n20148","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"How has it been to be a part of a collegiate team?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"qwdpf20001","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"vtk1a20133","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I'm having a blast! I’m so glad that I was able to take part in an esports team and be able to win a championship for a game that I love. So now as I get older, I can tell my friends or co-workers that I won a championship. I’m glad that I was able to make some friends that care about esports as well,” said Hardin, “I think it’s cool that the NJCAAE created an opportunity for people to participate in games that we love and play in and I’m glad that I was one of those people that had the opportunity to be able to win a championship.”","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"7qs1720118","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"cuj8020003","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Hardin may be finished with Barton Community College soon but plans to continue playing Call of Duty for a long time. ","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"1s85c20005","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"y0ud320042","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Do you have any advice for young gamers?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"nq44h20059","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"qfdyz20007","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“When you first start out to play games, try to play for fun and have awesome memories with your friends and family, because when you get older your friends become busier with life, and schedules start to overlap,” said Hardin.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"hemc520009","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"9xbms20011","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"You can find Adam on Twitch and Twitter!","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"7w1nu20013","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"https://twitter.com/MonkeyT3CH","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://twitter.com/MonkeyT3CH","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"10uc520015","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"https://www.twitch.tv/monkeyt3ch","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://www.twitch.tv/monkeyt3ch","target":"SELF"}}},{"type":"UNDERLINE"}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:45:32.777Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:45:32.777Z","id":"757eb205-e3f2-4f2f-8691-25b46b80b0b0"},"documentStyle":{}}
The NJCAAE Partners with *gameHERs wix:image://v1/13631f_51d8c604612f45cca1864e0e999f43c0~mv2.png/Presto_Thumbnails-4.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-11-03T16:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"National Junior College Athletic Association Esports and *gameHERs Form New Strategic Partnership","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"xr5xe3482","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wqv6v3374","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"November 3, 2021","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700},{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"4zl6k3376","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"h67s93378","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA –","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" The National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) and *gameHERs, a women-led community dedicated to amplifying and centering the voices of women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women, announce the formation of a new strategic partnership. The parties seek to create an effective and efficient relationship focused on creating greater awareness of 2-year college opportunities and collegiate esports opportunities to women in gaming.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"e0bn23381","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Executive Director of the NJCAAE, Jeff White, states, “The NJCAAE is excited to partner with *gameHERs to run events and create materials specific to women in gaming. I believe this partnership will encourage more women to join collegiate gaming and create a safe and comfortable space for them.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"83avd3383","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"mwueo3385","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“We are thrilled to partner with NJCAAE as we expand the *gameHERs into the collegiate space. Since the *gameHERs launch in March 2020, we have been connecting with organizations that are aligned in our mission to reach college students, and the dedication shown by NJCAAE to provide safe and positive and safe gaming experiences is an ideal partnership,\" said Rebecca Dixon, Co-founder and CEO of *gameHERs.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"sou543387","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"0hem43389","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"About the NJCAAE:","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" NJCAA Esports (NJCAAE), the national governing body for two-year college esports in the United States, is proud to provide two-year college esports teams with governance, competition and official national championships. The governing body also provides guidance and positive development for two-year colleges to build and operate esports programs. Established in the Fall of 2019, the association continues to establish new partner relationships that assist in the growth of esports programs, add new titles for increased participation, and dedicate resources to the recruitment of new members.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"4asrx3434","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"k1gun3392","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"The NJCAAE is committed to removing barriers to entry for all participants, including students and member institutions. Through the bring your own device and play from anywhere model, even campuses that are strictly online can offer an opportunity to engage their students for just $1,500. While student engagement is always a priority, it has perhaps never been more important than right now. No one disputes that an engaged student is a student that completes!","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"qz6mc3464","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"r0jq43394","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"The association has experienced phenomenal growth as we enter our fourth competitive semester. Beginning with only 12 teams, the following semesters grew to 28 teams (Spring ’20), 69 teams (Fall ’20), 81 teams (Spring ’21) and a projection of 115 teams and 2,000+ student-athletes in the Fall of 2021. With the ultimate goal of providing a unique and engaging environment for student-athletes nationwide, the NJCAAE is where worlds of opportunity await. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"og7wj3396","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"4v3wm3398","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"About","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" *","decorations":[]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"gameHERs:","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" Gamers who identify as women represent almost half the gamers in the world. Women gamers are rarely represented, heard, and recognized for our badassness. Through our ongoing work and conversations with so many of you, we know that safe spaces that honor women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women are necessary. Thus, the*gameHERs was born. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"uk5ra3403","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"The*gameHERs is a women-led community dedicated to amplifying and centering the voices of women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women. This is a sexist-free space for the casual players, the hardcore gamers, the techies, the streamers, the designers, the cosplayers, the developers, and programmers. Our mission is to advance the role, voice, image, and power of all the*gameHERs in the gaming world. We welcome all humans who value this mission.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"fbpkj3405","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"y94ys3407","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"For NJCAAE:","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wvi0u3409","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Jeff White, Executive Director of Esports","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"nz3213411","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"jwhite@njcaa.org","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"mailto:jwhite@njcaa.org","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"x15b03413","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"(719) 590-9788","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"dzhr43415","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"p4ovz3417","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"For *gameHERs:","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"4yce63419","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Rebecca Dixon, Co-founder and CEO of *gameHERs","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"v4ra53421","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"rebecca@thegamehers.com","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"mailto:rebecca@thegamehers.com","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-06T15:58:40.468Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-06T15:58:40.468Z","id":"f9a6ae0a-8a84-4138-976e-1bbeca355d5a"},"documentStyle":{}}](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_be6507d7ec404982a384cb7bf4e082bc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_270,h_270,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Gaming%20Accessories.jpg)
Player Spotlight - Bradley Jamison wix:image://v1/13631f_c361f6370e3648ada8617bd6a9704bbf~mv2.png/Bradley_J.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-15T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Bradley Jamison (he/him), 21, currently attends Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) in Hickory, North Carolina. Jamison is completing his final semester and will graduate with four degrees and three certificates, including his associate degree in science and an associate degree in business administration. Going above and beyond his many degrees and certificates, Jamison is the Esports Head Captain for the CVCC Redhawks. He is also the Fortnite Captain and President of the Accounting and Business Club at CVCC.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"80ump1808","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"yi8881809","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Originally from Vale, North Carolina, Jamison moved to Maiden, North Carolina, about four years ago. His high school did not have an esports team, but he played tennis and participated in Quizbowl. When starting at CVCC, he said he didn’t know anyone and didn’t plan to join any clubs/sports, until he saw on the CVCC website that there was an esports team starting up. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"3beqc1811","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8euml1841","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I emailed our coach and I was one of the first two players on the team. I’ve been with the team through thick and thin, moving to three separate locations until we finally landed in our permanent spot, and now we have almost 30 members,” said Jamison, “I play a bit of everything, but I mainly play Valorant and Fortnite. I try to play everything that we compete in just so that if someone needs an extra person for practice, I can hop in and help my teammates succeed! I mainly just practice any free moment that I get, along with using aimlabs and playing with people of a higher rank so that I can learn from them.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"a809u1813","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"rreog1854","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Jamison expressed that he is honored to have been able to be with the program all of these years and that everyone on the team is a wonderful person, with a bright future ahead of them. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"23e7m1815","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"3zrq21867","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“The NJCAAE is a great organization and they allow the different community colleges the chance to compete all around the country, which still blows my mind sometimes,” said Jamison, “I do think that there are a bunch of stereotypes about esports, and gamers that do bother me, including the ‘all gamers ever do is play video games’. As a team, we all have classes (and we had 13 NJCAAE All-Academics in the past 3 semesters), we work out together, some of us play Dungeons and Dragons together, and we try to go bowling or out to eat once every two weeks to hang out! While video games are a big part of our culture, we don’t sit and play video games every second of the day.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ii8l91817","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wdd411891","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Jamison’s favorite video game character of all time is Cal Kestis from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. His friendship with his droid, BD-1, and the survivor spirit to find others like him puts Cal at the top of his list. In addition to the many degrees, certificates, and gaming, Jamison plays the guitar and the drums. He also calls himself “an avid Dungeons and Dragons player.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"relke1819","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"o2td11915","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“My advice to young gamers would be to keep trying, any improvement is a big improvement. I just started playing Valorant in July of 2022, and we made it to playoffs this season. Nothing is impossible if you believe in it and try your best at it,” said Jamison.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"cerof1821","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8k0871928","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"With Jamison’s associate degree in business administration, he would like to eventually open up his own restaurant. “I’m hoping to open up an 80s-themed bar/arcade, that will have the typical bar foods, like wings and burgers,” said Jamison.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"hy5h01823","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"yr9og1941","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Five years from now, I see myself either opening up or have already opened up my bar/restaurant, along with being an assistant coach for CVCC Esports,” said Jamison. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"aqc0l1825","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"bvgpc1954","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"In the very near future, Jamison and CVCC are having a 24-hour stream on Friday, December 16th, starting at 12 pm EST. Tune in here: ","decorations":[]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"https://twitch.tv/cvccredhawks","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://twitch.tv/cvccredhawks","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T16:02:17.213Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T16:02:17.213Z","id":"d6b23b8b-76ed-4283-b6ad-6f38ed882b49"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Maddie Davidson wix:image://v1/13631f_ea4fcdebc0af43888b527469f327cdd0~mv2.png/maddied.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-11T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Madison (Maddie) Davidson (she/her), 18, is from Loudoun County, Virginia, and currently attends Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). This is Maddie’s first year attending NOVA as an engineering A.S major with plans to transfer to Virginia Tech for computer science in the Fall of 2024. She also participates on the NOVA esports team and plays multiple games. ","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"6ogfb5636","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"xznui5637","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Did your high school have an esports team, and if so, did you participate?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"q2sje5639","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"d6bg25940","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“We had an esports program that participated in PlayVS leagues and our Rocket League team even won the Virginia state championships. I helped manage the club along with funding the program and sponsoring a Minecraft SMP server,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"7al4f5641","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"72dnc5920","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Can you tell me about your current school?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"b435n5644","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"nj1m85900","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“NOVA is so welcoming and offers the same experience one may expect from a four-year school. I have already made so many new friends and been welcomed by so many individuals, and even gotten the opportunity to help out the esports program by being a team manager! I feel as though NOVA does its best to offer many different accommodations and learning opportunities by having smaller class sizes, many resources for tutoring and success, and the courses are designed to better transition and prepare you for next-level education- whether you decide to transfer or aim for an associates degree! Another benefit of NOVA is that you can take your time to transfer. It is a great option for those who cannot afford the excessive costs of tuition, and/or want to take a longer period to transfer so that they may focus on work or other factors,” said Davidson, “ One of my favorite aspects of NOVA so far is the diversity of its students. There are individuals from all over the world, some young and some old, and it is so interesting to be able to engage with peers and learn all about their lives.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"jo1q55646","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"p749g5879","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Davidson explained that while she may not play any games exclusively, she goes through periods of hyper-fixations of them. She has played and plays the following: first-person shooters such as Valorant and Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, and Apex. She also loves party games such as Jackbox TV and Overcooked.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"2fgxe5648","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"vs1jg5858","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“My main priority right now has been Valorant, while I help manage the Valorant teams under the esports program at NOVA. I also aim to be on the all-female team in the spring,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"egd815650","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"omrca5837","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Davidson’s strategy is to jump right into things, rather than warming up while playing games and competing. Her focus is to have fun and not get angry or frustrated because she believes that will lead to resenting the game(s).","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"irnz25652","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"hpirr5816","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I actually use this way of thinking in my everyday life as well,” said Davidson, “I have always struggled with putting myself out there and reaching out for opportunities in fear of being judged or rejected, but eventually realized that I will miss out on everything if I do not just jump in! If I had not put myself out there, I would never have received my position as a team manager for NOVA esports or made the friends that I have made within my first semester. Joining the esports program has given me confidence and allowed me to relieve my anxiety about all of it.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ectvm5654","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"obeo75795","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Davidson said that being a part of a collegiate team has been one of the best opportunities she has ever received so far and has been able to grow relationships with all of the team members, as well as see their improvement and hard work over the past semester. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"mdprc5656","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"7wjn45774","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“The NJCAAE has offered so many opportunities for various teams within our program to have a chance to play and compete for a championship! The various leagues offered have a wide variety and do their best to provide a smooth tournament feel bracket for easy team participation. It has given those who attend 2-year institutions a chance at participating on a regional-level team that many would not expect to receive in community colleges,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"fkux15658","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"9clje5753","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Do you have any advice for young gamers?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"um4475660","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"arf0e5732","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Do not let anybody tell you that video games are a waste. If it makes you happy, then nobody should take that away from you. But remember, there is always a balance between the real world and the internet. The world is constantly growing and technology is becoming more mainstream, so why shouldn't you be able to have a career in the field? Put yourself out there and have fun,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ctjy65662","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"hatay5711","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Davidson is currently an engineering A.S major, focused on computer science and programming. As mentioned previously, she wants to transfer to Virginia Tech in 2024. While at Virginia Tech, she wants to minor in criminal justice. She also wants to focus on programming video games, and eventually be able to work for the government and be involved in the behind-the-desk scenes of the crime force.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"gpipw5664","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"uhak65690","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I am not one to plan too far ahead, while everything in life is subject to change and I try not to hold expectations on myself. Hopefully, in five years I will be engaged to my current significant other while we both pursue careers that satisfy us. For me, as long as I am happy with whatever career I choose then I say that is a life well lived! I also hope to pick my streaming career back up on the side as a hobby, and maybe even come out with my own indie game release,” said Davidson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"bvw755666","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"u717c5668","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Find Maddie here: ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"jtnno5670","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Twitch: ","decorations":[]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"https://www.twitch.tv/mzddiee","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://www.twitch.tv/mzddiee","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"brmmg5673","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Instagram: ttv.mzddiee","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:53:28.659Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:53:28.659Z","id":"3e37e168-34c4-457d-977f-9313e91c58cb"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Henry Hoang wix:image://v1/13631f_584a2f97c03f47edb90dfe1f81a45da8~mv2.png/hhps.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-11T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Henry Hoang (he/him), 19, currently attends Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) as a Rocket League player on their esports team. Hoang is a sophomore studying information technology (IT) and the cybersecurity field. He is Vietnamese but was born and raised in Orange County, California.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"nkkqp6724","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"14gsr6725","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“At Annandale High School, where I went before NOVA, I had the opportunity to join a Rocket League team there but was cut short due to the pandemic. However, being able to play, learn, and spend time with friends at NOVA really enlightened me on the aspect of being an esports player,” said Hoang, “I play Rocket League for Nova, a soccer game that involves rocket-powered cars battling to see who scores the most. Playing for NOVA is very different from playing by myself, with teammates that communicate on positioning, when to go or not, and just being able to understand everyone always improves my game. Whether I am reanalyzing losses or wins, strictly in the training lobby striving to learn a new move or just playing more to be consistent at things I’ve already learned, improvement is key to getting better.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wr4vk6727","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"300q66752","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"When Hoang is not gaming, he is studying, exercising, and spending time with his family. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"rpw7m6729","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"084r96763","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Being a full-time student at Nova depending on the time of the semester like midterms and finals is when things get a little difficult to manage, but having a team that understands and will help you, makes that stress feel a bit easier to handle,” said Hoang.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wvrgt6731","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"afaa16774","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"After his time at NOVA, he has planned to get as many COMPTIA certifications as he can, to begin his journey into the work field, but of course not forgetting about Rocket League. Hoang said Rocket League has taught him that if you put the hours into it, you will reap what you sow.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"9vgkw6733","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"y8nr36785","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“The NJCAAE is a perfect place to hone your skills and test them across other teams to compete against a title. Knowing this, you have to prepare and thus train your mind to be ready for anything, or anyone. Being an esports player doesn’t come with any stereotypes, if you’re around the people that are saying that, simply disassociate from that group. Everyone is definitely different and I for one am proud that I get to play at a collegiate level for a community college,” said Hoang.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"umbs16735","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"o20bk6805","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Lee Sin from League of Legends has always been Hoang’s favorite player. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"jvcl66737","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"jb9896816","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I’m not sure if it’s because he’s a blind monk that traversed his way to being a champion, but something from him stood out and I’ve always used him for that reason,” said Hoang.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"9vr846739","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8gi1g6827","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Five years from now, he hopes to have a job that can support all of his endeavors, keep food on the table, and a roof over his and his loved ones’ heads. He also wants to still be playing Rocket League, or any other games in his free time. Finally, he hopes to have his dream car by then, so that he can “have a blast driving through neighborhoods”. If you see a Rocket League player in a Toyota Supra driving through your neighborhood in 5 years, it will most likely be Henry Hoang, a NOVA alum!","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:56:02.652Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:56:02.652Z","id":"2f8b839e-b2c1-4550-8a74-d3b8fc9c6a81"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Ayden Veik wix:image://v1/13631f_a171b42a248744a88db8c47f391b3916~mv2.png/PS_Ayden.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-06T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Ayden (Blitz) Veik (he/him), 19, is a first-year student at Central Community College studying business administration. Originally, Veik is from Humphrey, Nebraska. Now, Veik plays for the Central Community College esports team.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"2jbf34913","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wj27b4914","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“[Central Community College] is very well put together with good sports teams but our esports team takes the cake. This is the first year we have had esports and I made the team right away. I play Call of Duty and only that. I started playing Vanguard once I found out I made the team and have been grinding MW2. I used to play all the older CODS. Everything before infinite Warfare to be honest,” said Veik.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"g2a934916","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"olt534960","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Originally a console player, Veik made the switch to PC and said he has improved greatly because of this. According to Veik, he had been playing with a console controller ever since he was five years old. After he finishes school he plans to coach an esports team at his old high school. Veik would also like to start his own business one day.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"xn6kc4918","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"oia1u4919","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I love being part of this team. Since we are a first-year team, what we have accomplished has been very exciting for our coach. Our coach used to play esports at Ohio State University,” said Veik.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"u4iea4921","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"1wzxi4981","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I love the NJCAAE; they are so connected with all of the other teams and host great tournaments and playoffs. I’m super excited to keep playing,” said Veik.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8kfom4923","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"glln14992","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Five years from now, Veik sees himself with his own place to live including a personal gaming room.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"3p8e15064","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{}},{"type":"IMAGE","id":"vtz4j5063","nodes":[],"imageData":{"containerData":{"width":{"size":"SMALL"},"alignment":"CENTER","textWrap":true},"image":{"src":{"id":"13631f_83595380adde4674ad5c1b3bbce2dd01~mv2.jpg"},"width":314,"height":236}}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"lavym5065","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"twyjw4928","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Find Veik on YouTube: ","decorations":[]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Veik YouTube","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DxDe3v7V8LuinVFcBFN6g","target":"UNKNOWN"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:50:47.905Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:50:47.905Z","id":"0ffd3ee6-e3cd-42ee-93c2-716ef9eb2c57"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Jono Edmonson wix:image://v1/13631f_5b01a6d86c92402ea17cd9aac655b25b~mv2.png/jono2.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-05T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Jono Edmonson (he/him), 19, is currently a freshman at Heartland Community College, majoring in Communications. Edmonson has hopes to eventually be a sports analyst or go into the commentary field. Edmonson is from Bloomington, Illinois, where he attended Normal West High School. He competed in NBA2K as a senior and won the state championship.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"he1id2136","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"rkyno2137","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Coach R., who was my high school coach is also my college coach now. I love it at Heartland so far. Teachers are helpful and supportive, as well as the athletic department. They’ve been a huge part of my success so far. Coach R. makes sure I get everything that I need to succeed,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"c8vfu2168","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"8nz852139","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Edmonson plays NBA2K and Madden 5. He said he practices daily and is constantly online, playing against the most competitors that he can. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ff1j02180","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"cgqsl2141","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“My main strategy isn’t much of a strategy and more of a saying that I like to live by, “if you love it, it’s not work”; NBA 2K and Madden are something I love playing, as well as basketball and football themselves. So working out, and coaching for those sports isn’t work, it’s just something I love to do. Makes life easier when you get to do things as opposed to having to do things. I learned that from my old basketball coach, Coach Saunches, last year,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wgiut2202","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"dh0jt2143","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"What do you plan to do after you finish your current program at school? ","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"dd9192145","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"ny5b02298","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I’m going to learn how to best apply my skills in the workplace. I am working on my communication skills and understanding of the media. Hopefully, I will transfer to an HBCU and play in the HBCU esports league. Then I can try to finish out school and get a job within the league, or on a more pro level,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"nnn5q2384","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{}},{"type":"IMAGE","id":"k2gjb2383","nodes":[],"imageData":{"containerData":{"width":{"size":"SMALL"},"alignment":"CENTER","textWrap":true},"image":{"src":{"id":"13631f_e04d1f5b402f40b5ba0705262f7a8608~mv2.jpg"},"width":292,"height":218}}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"iu9732385","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"qxtob2288","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Edmonson expressed that his time on the Heartland esports team has been great so far. He also said that his teammates are very supportive of him.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"td2a02150","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"neju62268","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I think the only thing that bothers me is the stereotype that gamers aren’t actually doing anything; or that it’s easy, and that the average person doesn’t do esports. I think esports should gain a little respect. The average person couldn’t beat me in any of the games I play, nor can they beat other good esports players. We put a lot of work into what we love to do, and it should get the same recognition that other hard-working people get,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"adzgh2152","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"fp4cb2228","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"In the future, he wants to work for a major company doing commentary, and have at least one national title under his belt (if not more). ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"q24zj2154","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"z16sx2218","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“My advice to young gamers would just be to block out the noise. Don’t let others’ opinions keep you from competing in the games you love. Work at your craft, and go have fun,” said Edmonson.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:46:17.240Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:46:17.240Z","id":"76be2b73-b838-4438-a542-48e6d6c266ff"},"documentStyle":{}}
Player Spotlight - Adam Hardin wix:image://v1/13631f_6be64db759854bb2a8eb7e5967fc01ab~mv2.png/adamhardin.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-12-04T17:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Adam Hardin (he/him), 21, is currently finishing up his last semester at Barton Community College. Hardin is originally from Savanah, Georgia, but moved to Kansas and now studies to be an Online Network Specialist, while participating on the Barton Esports Team. Hardin currently plays Call of Duty: Gunfight, Mario Kart, and Rainbow 6 Siege. ","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"c46ai20323","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"IMAGE","id":"a75mo20322","nodes":[],"imageData":{"containerData":{"width":{"size":"SMALL"},"alignment":"CENTER","textWrap":true},"image":{"src":{"id":"13631f_ae2d2fdf7cb64f5a94e443e5c82488ee~mv2.jpg"},"width":193,"height":210}}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"y85j820324","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"u896219991","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Hardin does a lot to make sure he can be the best player possible. Hardin expressed that practice makes perfect; as he also works with his teammate Kindric (catnipgod). Hardin also finds watching films of his opponents playing to be helpful, so that he can strategize how to take advantage of their typical plays. To Hardin, it is the same as studying for tests or quizzes for school.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"3buw919993","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"4r62z20190","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Are there any stereotypes about gamers/esports that bother you or you think are untrue and why?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"sy7wp19996","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"wog8b20162","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“Gaming makes you violent. People assume that shooter games will influence kids so that they do bad things with guns or steal. I think that is untrue,” said Hardin.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"4lr8m19999","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"bqp2n20148","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"How has it been to be a part of a collegiate team?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"qwdpf20001","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"vtk1a20133","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“I'm having a blast! I’m so glad that I was able to take part in an esports team and be able to win a championship for a game that I love. So now as I get older, I can tell my friends or co-workers that I won a championship. I’m glad that I was able to make some friends that care about esports as well,” said Hardin, “I think it’s cool that the NJCAAE created an opportunity for people to participate in games that we love and play in and I’m glad that I was one of those people that had the opportunity to be able to win a championship.”","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"7qs1720118","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"cuj8020003","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Hardin may be finished with Barton Community College soon but plans to continue playing Call of Duty for a long time. ","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"1s85c20005","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"y0ud320042","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Do you have any advice for young gamers?","decorations":[{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"nq44h20059","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"qfdyz20007","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“When you first start out to play games, try to play for fun and have awesome memories with your friends and family, because when you get older your friends become busier with life, and schedules start to overlap,” said Hardin.","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"hemc520009","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"9xbms20011","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"You can find Adam on Twitch and Twitter!","decorations":[]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"7w1nu20013","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"https://twitter.com/MonkeyT3CH","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://twitter.com/MonkeyT3CH","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"10uc520015","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"https://www.twitch.tv/monkeyt3ch","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"https://www.twitch.tv/monkeyt3ch","target":"SELF"}}},{"type":"UNDERLINE"}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:45:32.777Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-07T15:45:32.777Z","id":"757eb205-e3f2-4f2f-8691-25b46b80b0b0"},"documentStyle":{}}
The NJCAAE Partners with *gameHERs wix:image://v1/13631f_51d8c604612f45cca1864e0e999f43c0~mv2.png/Presto_Thumbnails-4.png#originWidth=986&originHeight=552 2022-11-03T16:00:00.000Z Mia White {"nodes":[{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"foo","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"National Junior College Athletic Association Esports and *gameHERs Form New Strategic Partnership","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}}],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"type":"PARAGRAPH","id":"xr5xe3482","nodes":[],"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"},"indentation":0}},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wqv6v3374","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"November 3, 2021","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700},{"type":"ITALIC","italicData":true}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"4zl6k3376","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"h67s93378","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA –","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" The National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) and *gameHERs, a women-led community dedicated to amplifying and centering the voices of women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women, announce the formation of a new strategic partnership. The parties seek to create an effective and efficient relationship focused on creating greater awareness of 2-year college opportunities and collegiate esports opportunities to women in gaming.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"e0bn23381","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Executive Director of the NJCAAE, Jeff White, states, “The NJCAAE is excited to partner with *gameHERs to run events and create materials specific to women in gaming. I believe this partnership will encourage more women to join collegiate gaming and create a safe and comfortable space for them.”","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"83avd3383","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"mwueo3385","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"“We are thrilled to partner with NJCAAE as we expand the *gameHERs into the collegiate space. Since the *gameHERs launch in March 2020, we have been connecting with organizations that are aligned in our mission to reach college students, and the dedication shown by NJCAAE to provide safe and positive and safe gaming experiences is an ideal partnership,\" said Rebecca Dixon, Co-founder and CEO of *gameHERs.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"sou543387","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"0hem43389","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"About the NJCAAE:","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" NJCAA Esports (NJCAAE), the national governing body for two-year college esports in the United States, is proud to provide two-year college esports teams with governance, competition and official national championships. The governing body also provides guidance and positive development for two-year colleges to build and operate esports programs. Established in the Fall of 2019, the association continues to establish new partner relationships that assist in the growth of esports programs, add new titles for increased participation, and dedicate resources to the recruitment of new members.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"4asrx3434","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"k1gun3392","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"The NJCAAE is committed to removing barriers to entry for all participants, including students and member institutions. Through the bring your own device and play from anywhere model, even campuses that are strictly online can offer an opportunity to engage their students for just $1,500. While student engagement is always a priority, it has perhaps never been more important than right now. No one disputes that an engaged student is a student that completes!","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"qz6mc3464","nodes":[],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"r0jq43394","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"The association has experienced phenomenal growth as we enter our fourth competitive semester. Beginning with only 12 teams, the following semesters grew to 28 teams (Spring ’20), 69 teams (Fall ’20), 81 teams (Spring ’21) and a projection of 115 teams and 2,000+ student-athletes in the Fall of 2021. With the ultimate goal of providing a unique and engaging environment for student-athletes nationwide, the NJCAAE is where worlds of opportunity await. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"og7wj3396","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"4v3wm3398","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"About","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" *","decorations":[]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"gameHERs:","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}},{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" Gamers who identify as women represent almost half the gamers in the world. Women gamers are rarely represented, heard, and recognized for our badassness. Through our ongoing work and conversations with so many of you, we know that safe spaces that honor women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women are necessary. Thus, the*gameHERs was born. ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"uk5ra3403","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"The*gameHERs is a women-led community dedicated to amplifying and centering the voices of women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women. This is a sexist-free space for the casual players, the hardcore gamers, the techies, the streamers, the designers, the cosplayers, the developers, and programmers. Our mission is to advance the role, voice, image, and power of all the*gameHERs in the gaming world. We welcome all humans who value this mission.","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"fbpkj3405","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"y94ys3407","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"For NJCAAE:","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"wvi0u3409","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Jeff White, Executive Director of Esports","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"nz3213411","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"jwhite@njcaa.org","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"mailto:jwhite@njcaa.org","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"x15b03413","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"(719) 590-9788","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"dzhr43415","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":" ","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"p4ovz3417","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"For *gameHERs:","decorations":[{"type":"BOLD","fontWeightValue":700}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"4yce63419","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"Rebecca Dixon, Co-founder and CEO of *gameHERs","decorations":[]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"},{"paragraphData":{"textStyle":{"textAlignment":"AUTO"}},"style":{},"id":"v4ra53421","nodes":[{"type":"TEXT","id":","nodes":[],"textData":{"text":"rebecca@thegamehers.com","decorations":[{"type":"LINK","linkData":{"link":{"url":"mailto:rebecca@thegamehers.com","target":"SELF"}}}]}}],"type":"PARAGRAPH"}],"metadata":{"version":1,"createdTimestamp":"2023-02-06T15:58:40.468Z","updatedTimestamp":"2023-02-06T15:58:40.468Z","id":"f9a6ae0a-8a84-4138-976e-1bbeca355d5a"},"documentStyle":{}}
Mia White
Coach John O'Neil
December 17, 2022
Mia White
- Page 8
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