Marcus Kirkland Jr. (he/him) is a fresh face at the NJCAAE. Kirkland recently joined the team as a competitive assistant, a role that perfectly fits his passion for competition. Growing up, he played many sports, including basketball, baseball, and football, and he appreciated the organized nature of these games. In addition to his love for traditional sports, Kirkland has also enjoyed gaming, a passion that has remained constant throughout his life.

Given Kirkland’s background, joining the NJCAAE team was a natural fit. When he got the chance to dive into esports, he jumped at it. This is his first official role in the field as a competitive assistant, a job that combines his love for competition and gaming.

When asked about his experience at the NJCAAE so far, Kirkland said, “The best part of my job is getting to know the coaches and helping high-level competition run smoothly. It’s a great opportunity for students to compete at a high level after high school as they continue their education.”

Outside of the NJCAAE, Kirkland stays just as active. He enjoys playing basketball, reading (both e-books and traditional books), and, of course, gaming. Kirkland may be new to his role, but with his background in competitive sports, his passion for gaming, and his commitment to helping others succeed, he is already making an impact in the world of esports.