Become better gamers, become better people.
In 2021 Pace announced the launch of their official Esports Program as its 15th varsity sport, but Pace's esports roots date back all the way to 2015. Julia Cardillo ’22 joined the club in 2019 when it was run by Isil Ates ’19, ‘21. “Back then, it was a one-woman show, said Cardillo about Ates. "She had a lot going for us. We would play 5 versus 5 in League of Legends, she would give out free prizes from companies like Riot Games, and she even had a partnership with G-Fuel Energy Drinks.” Some students gathered to practice for competitive play, but most were there for the sense of community.
Though the program has since been formally supported by the school, the culture of community has not changed. Director of Esports Jesse Bodony has made it a point to stay true to the Pace esports origins. "While we strive to have top competitive teams and have big plans for the program's growth," Bodony said, "we will never depart from our focus on community and on building a culture of inclusivity."
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Pace Esport's mission is to support student gamers in their competitive, recreational, academic, and vocational aspirations.
Pace Esports offers three levels of competitive teams (Varsity, Academy, Club) for six of the most popular esports titles today: League of Legends, Valorant, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Rocket League, Overwatch, and Fortnite. We aim to create competitive opportunities for students to support those at the highest levels of competition as well as those who may be playing on a competitive esports team for the first time. Pace has secured two Open Division ECAC National Championships in SSBU and Valorant.
Boasting over 730 members, the Pace Eports community spans our New York City campus and our Pleasantville campus. Our goal is for competitive and casual gamers alike to be able to connect with like-minded peers in online and offline settings. At the center of our community is the Esports & Gaming Club which is run by student leaders. With support from the institution, they regularly host offline/online competitions, community game nights on Discord, and more.
Given the rapid global growth of the gaming industry we believe that not offering formal academic courses to help our students prepare to pursue their career ambitions is a disservice to our students. Our aim is to both suffuse and transcend the classroom, providing a clear pathways for students to pursue their passion for esports in educational and occupational contexts. Pace's Esports Advisory Board is in the process of developing a curricular plan so that students interested in pursing a career in the gaming space have the resources and knowledge they need to succeed.
No new initiative on a university campus should proceed without a clear plan for how it can contribute to a culture of diverse inclusion and equity. This is especially true in the gaming and esports space which has historically been toxic toward women and minorities. The Pace Esports program aims to champion Pace's institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion so that gamer's of all backgrounds and identities feel safe and respected. Regardless of ability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, or ethnicity, the Pace Esports community serves to be a welcoming home for our students.
Pace Esports is looking the next best collegiate players. If you think you have what it takes to become a Setter, we want to hear from you.
