eSports Program Sparks Community, Leadership and Amazing College Experience
The eSports Program has been making strides as a new team-building experience at Fullerton College. Overseen by faculty advisors Carlos Antunez (CIS) and Michael Moore (Paralegal Studies), the program taps into gaming culture through competitive gameplay conducted on the personal computer (PC). From cultivating teamwork to building leadership skills, the program has grown popular since its inception in the 2024-25 academic year.
“The eSports program at our college has created a powerful way to connect with students through something they already love: gaming. For many of our students, video games were the first spark that ignited their interest in technology,” said Antunez. “This program builds on that passion by providing a dedicated space on campus where students can explore the technologies behind eSports while gaining valuable skills that extend beyond the game.”
This feature follows the unique testimonials of three students that have benefitted from the eSports Program: Brooke Hale, Willow Young and Omar Martinez. Together, Hale, Young and Martinez share how the program has helped them grow and enjoy their college experience at our campus.
Q: How has the eSports program helped you foster a sense of belonging and community at Fullerton College?
HALE: I am the president of the eSports Club and am about a semester off from graduation. The eSports club has done a lot to make me feel like I have a role in the college other than as a student. In previous semesters, I have not really been involved with things outside of class. I had only come to the campus to do my work and leave as soon as I could. Socializing wasn’t really on my mind at all for some time. Starting this club has really helped push me out of my shell and has given me and other students a place to just spend time with others. The club events, meetings and competitions have really brought a nice friendly energy to my college experience.
Q: What opportunities has the eSports program provided that have helped you throughout your time at Fullerton College?
HALE: The main opportunity of the eSports Club is to socialize! I’ve had students come to me and thank me for giving them a nice, relaxed place to just meet people. They have also told me about how this was the push they needed to start making friends at Fullerton College. Hearing things like that has really bolstered my drive to keep the club going! Along with that, many people in the club talk about things outside of video games. They talk about life and their majors. A lot of people in the club also tend to have similar career paths so it’s a good place to meet people who may end up in the same field as you!
Q: How has the eSports club/program encouraged your involvement on campus?
YOUNG: This is my first year returning back to college after a hiatus. I’m a theater major that specializes in backstage craft. I’ve never been interested in any leadership positions or clubs until last semester. I enjoy the community of getting together with a bunch of cool people and sharing our love for video games together. It definitely made me want to branch out more and be involved with more campus activities.
Q: What have been the key takeaways that the eSports program has taught you that you feel may prepare you for your future career and major?
YOUNG: Being as I’m a theater major, I depend on a lot of teamwork. Being part of the eSports Club definitely makes it so you must work as a team to achieve your win. It’s kind of the same in theater if you look at it- you need to work as a team to make the final project come together.
Q: How has the eSports club helped you grow as a team player, Fullerton College student and upcoming professional?
MARTINEZ: The eSports Club has personally helped me develop key skills, such as strong communication whether it’s in-game, calling out enemy locations to teammates or coordinating with leadership to keep our club engaged in campus activities. As a student, it has given me motivation to keep pushing myself to do my best, not only for my own growth, but also for the members and leaders who dedicate their time to the club. In my future professional career, these experiences are invaluable in teaching me how to collaborate effectively, work efficiently, remain teachable and enjoy the process of growth.
I am currently a 4th-year student, and my career aspiration is to work in cybersecurity, specifically as an Information Security Auditor. In 2022, I transitioned from accounting to cybersecurity and have been fully committed to building a future in this field.
Q: What would you tell students who are interested in joining the eSports club?
MARTINEZ: Joining the eSports Club at Fullerton College has given me the opportunity to be part of a gaming community that plays video games with the purpose of connecting, collaborating and having fun.
“At its core, the eSports program is about more than competition. It is about curiosity, opportunity and growth” said Antunez.“By meeting students where their interests are, we are helping them discover new possibilities and giving them the tools to build on what they learn here and carry it forward into their lives and careers.”
Soon, the program plans to invest into league play and cultivate partnerships with local high schools. In addition, it is in the process of developing an eSports-focused curriculum that does not center on competition, but instead emphasizes building technical skills in areas such as eSports operations, event management, broadcast production and the business aspects of gaming.
