Joba Duke is the esports coach at Gordon State College and has led the program for the past two years, bringing passion and purpose to a growing community. Her journey into esports began with a vision: to create a safe, inclusive space where students of all backgrounds, whether online, commuter, or residential, could come together through competitive gaming.

“I wanted to create a safe space for all types of students to get together to play games,” Duke said. “I appreciate the support from the NJCAAE and other coaches. Our students tend to start more reserved, but as soon as competitions begin, they lock in and become the best version of themselves.”

Duke expressed that the most rewarding part of her role is watching the students grow into leadership roles, both formally and informally. But of course, the job doesn’t come without its challenges. Funding and campus support can often be obstacles. The program currently lacks a designated gaming space, and finding Ethernet access after business hours has been shown to be difficult. Students are often responsible for supplying their own devices and consoles, placing a strain on those from lower-income backgrounds.

“We are working to expand our promotional and marketing implementations,” Duke said.

Despite some hurdles, Duke has already led the team to success. In the team’s first semester, they placed third in the Eastern Region for Madden. She hopes to beat that this year.

Duke continues to recruit new players through new student orientation events, involvement fairs, social media and word of mouth. Her goals for the upcoming year are to increase student participation and improve competitive rankings.

Outside of coaching, Duke enjoys watching international horror films and reading. When asked to describe her role in one word, she chose “cultivation”, a reflection of her dedication to student growth and development.