For the second straight semester, a University of Arkansas at Monticello Esports team will compete for a divisional title.
The UAM League of Legends team will face Ferris State in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Varsity Plus Divisional Championship at 6 p.m. Tuesday. UAM will stream the match on its Esports Twitch channel, “UAM_Esports.”
The Boll Weevils went undefeated during the regular season, earning the top seed in the East 4 division and receiving a first-round bye. On April 1, UAM defeated Talladega College 2-1 to earn a spot in the divisional championship.
This was UAM’s first time having an Esports team go undefeated in the regular season but not the first time reaching a divisional championship. Last semester, the UAM Rocket League team defeated the University of Alaska Fairbanks before upsetting the University of North Texas at Dallas to win the school’s first Esports divisional title one year after the program’s founding.
The UAM Esports program is led by head coach Devin Burton. The League of Legends team consists of sophomore team captain Alexsavior Ayala of Warren, junior Jordan Berryman of Hamburg, senior Jaxon Davidson of Crossett, freshman Marcia Lindsey of Monticello and sophomore Alexander Wargo of Warren.
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Of note, Lindsey is UAM Esports’ first female student-athlete.
“Having our first female player on the team has been a great experience,” Burton said. “Her presence brings a unique dynamic to the group, and she fits right in with the team. It’s not about gender, but about the drive, commitment and desire to improve, and she has all of that.
“She’s grown so much this season, and her contributions have definitely helped the team be more grounded and focused. It’s important to show that our program is inclusive, and UAM Esports encourages all passionate players to try out for one of our teams.”
UAM fields four Esports teams. In addition to League of Legends and Rocket League, the Boll Weevils also compete in Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.