Pennsylvania Highland Community College, founded in 1993, has served over 60,000 community members throughout western Pennsylvania, including the Laurel Highlands and Southern Alleghenies regions. With over 35 degree, certificate, and diploma programs in seven unique pathways, Pennsylvania Highlands has the highest graduation rate of all Pennsylvania community colleges. 

The college is also home of the Penn Highlands Black Bears esports team. Penn Highlands has been looking into esports and observing from a distance for a couple of years now, and is thrilled to be competing in their second semester of competition.  

“We’ve investigated the emergence of intercollegiate, competitive gaming at all levels and have found a particular configuration that excites us,” said Head Coach, Robert Obetts, “Partnering with the NJCAAE and Generation Esports provides us a competitive environment at the highest level for small institutions who are looking to make an impact within the esports industry and in the lives of students.” 

 Pennsylvania Highlands supports the holistic development of students and prepares them for success in both their personal and professional lives. Black Bear Esports is but another pathway for students to optimize their student experience. 

 Black Bear Esports will be competing in Valorant on Thursday, October 28th, against the Nassau Community College Esports Team in the NJCAAE Match of the Week brought to you by the Army National Guard. 

“This is our first season competing in Valorant, and we're excited to be featured in the Match of the Week. The team has been utilizing our newly established game headquarters for practices and competition to better acquaint themselves with the game and their team members,” said Obetts. 

The Black Bears’ Valorant team consist of 7 players: Zach Brandis, Freshman, Ethan Dollar, Freshman, Sydnee Miller, Sophomore, Nicholas Painter, Sophomore, Rebecca Perrone, Freshman, Cy Saylor, Freshman, and David Weld, Freshman.