“This is a big moment for our esports athletes,” says Robert Skinnion, Director of Esports at SPIRE Academy. “As we enter the second half of the academic year, our roster is in the middle of their college application journey and have spent the last semester developing through scrims, vod review and individual drill. Next up, they’re looking to showcase their talents in the Carry2College event at the end of January and in college tryouts, interviews and LAN events.” 

Preparedness and placement. That’s what this year has been about for SPIRE Esports, but not just for the student athletes. Preparedness has also involved the coaching staff. After a summer shakeup that left all of the coaches operating remotely, SPIRE Esports brought on Jack Vasperal—a highly regarded, highly experienced Valorant player from nearby Painesville—as the new on-campus coach and point of contact for SPIRE’s esports student athletes. 

Skinnion: “The nature of esports is such that everyone is comfortable operating online, but we have the kids on-campus for a reason. In-person contact and coaching counts for any sport, including ours. Vasperal brings a fresh perspective and ample LAN experience to the team, and will serve as a valuable complement to our coaching staff. He’ll serve as the lead coach for individual player development and our summer camp offerings. And Vasperal’s mere presence on campus will act as a general attractor, bringing more kids into our other camps and sports.”

Here’s a list of the SPIRE student athletes (all seniors) who are pursuing college esports programs:

• Logan Cole
• Leif Krumbein
• Landis Mahler
• Derrick Polk
• Kohen Yates

On the subject of having “kids on-campus for a reason,” layered into the SPIRE Esports program is a (literally) healthy dose of wellness, strength and conditioning work. Obviously, this can’t be done online, but it’s an essential part of esports. Being able to maintain one’s focus and reflexes takes stamina, like in any other sport. And as these gamers look to stay sharp during the busy college recruiting cycle, this kind of training is of particular importance. Again, Skinnion: “I’ve been in touch with a few parents, and we have a really strong accepted-list this year. We’re all looking forward to our student athletes making their commitments to college, but first things first, which is having everyone performing at their peak and making a good showing. We already have two of our student athletes on the Coca-Cola All Stars team: Derrick Polk and Kohen Yates. At this, the 2024-25 midseason point, it’s very clear this team is going places.”