HUSSON UNIVERSITY AWARDED THE ECAC ESPORTS COMMISSIONERS CUP FOR 2022-23

Danbury, CT — Hudson University is the esteemed recipient of the 2022-23 Commissioners Cup, hand-picked by the ECAC. This honor recognizes an ECAC Esports member university that has demonstrated remarkable in-game success and positive local and campus impact.

Introduced in the spring of 2022, Hudson Esports entered into their first competitive season with 32 student participants. The program then showed remarkable growth, registering 45 students in the fall of 2022. The Eagles esports facility this year held 15 computers and 3 Nintendo Switches. The facility is set to expand next year, containing 35 PCs, 5 Nintendo Switches, 5 PS5’s, and 5 Xbox consoles.

The Esports room has evolved to become more than just a competitive gaming space. It has become a gathering place for students to hang out, study and feel part of a community. A recent campus-wide survey by Student Life found that many students felt most comfortable in the Esports room. Lydia Fister, Director of Esports, spoke highly of the Husson University Esports team. She stated that Andy Michaud, Esports Coordinator, along with the campus support system, has helped create an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Below are some key achievements by the Husson University Esports teams during the 2022-23 season:

• All of the following made the playoffs: Varsity Super Smash Bros, Rainbow Six Siege Club A, Varsity Valorant, Varsity Overwatch 2, and JV Rocket League
• The Varsity Super Smash Bros team finished with a 6-2 record and progressed to the round of 16 in the playoffs
• The Varsity Valorant team ended with a 5-3 record and made it to the round of 8 in the playoffs
• The Varsity Overwatch 2 team ended with a 7-1 record and also reached the round of 8 in the playoffs
• They raised $660.06 for the Student Clothing Assistance Fund on Giving Day
• They raised $1,380 for sick children at Northern Light Hospital through Extra Life, a program run by Children’s Miracle Network Honors
• Thirty students received All-Academic Honors in the Fall 2022 season
• Twenty-three students received All-Academic Honors in the Spring 2023 season
• Seven students were named Players of the Month and Week throughout the year
• Four students were named Player and Rookie of the Season over the year

Andy Michaud, the Esports Coordinator, expressed his pride and appreciation for their achievements and the honor of being named this year’s Commissioner’s Cup winner. He commended the student athletes for their efforts both in gaming and in creating an inclusive community.

Troy Morehouse, the Associate Dean of Student Life, congratulated the team for its focus on inclusivity and support. He expressed his pride and gratitude for being part of such a great group.

The new ECAC Esports competition begins in September, with sixteen different titles up for grabs in the fall esports season. Schools interested in joining the competition or learning more about ECAC Esports can reach out to Lydia Fister, Director of Esports, at lfister@ecac.org.