More than a game

Until this year, the University of Dayton esports program focused almost entirely on competition. Teams trained, practiced and represented UD in national tournaments. But this year, they started something new — a shift toward more inclusion, connection and fun.

The team is now welcoming members who want to play for pure enjoyment. Instead of requiring everyone to compete, students can join the club and play any game they like in the esports room. 

Filled with gaming systems that allow students for more gaming opportunities, the room is also filled with a sense of community. 

“The esports room is the room on campus … being able to turn to your left or right and fistbump your teammates after a good play or give them encouragement if they make a mistake is huge for keeping morale up in a high pressure situation,” said alumni volunteer and former team member David Schaffer ’20.

“It’s awesome that people feel comfortable getting more involved, that’s why we do it,” said Schaffer.

The program began with a competitive Rocket League team, later adding Super Smash Bros. and, most recently over the 2025 summer, Splatoon, which was started by Jared Miller, a junior computer science major. When team organizers set up the esports team table at Up the Orgs this fall, they noticed something different, which was a large number of students looking for something more casual. So, the team decided they needed to step up on a more chill, relaxing type of play. 

By the end of the fall semester, the team plans to host free-play sessions open to all members in their esports room, KU 100. The goal of providing this area is to give everyone a chance to play, even those who don’t have their own gaming equipment or can’t bring it to campus, Schaffer said.

The new space was made possible through the generosity of several UD alumni, including Matthew Lambiase ’88.

“They were very generous,” Schaffer said. 

That support helped the team turn an empty room into a space of connection and creativity, and helped fund new gaming equipment, special TV's and gaming computers, uniform updates and conference fees for the team.

“As much as we love competing and being the best we can be,” Schaffer said, “I’ve always told the players from day one that school comes first, friends second and esports comes third.”

That philosophy defines the heart of the program. The esports team is not just about gaming, but about belonging. 

“If our members are able to build social connections through the games, we know that we’re doing our job,” Schaffer added.

And for those who may not play at all? There’s still a place for them, Schaffer said. The club encourages anyone interested to get involved in anything from commentating matches to helping manage their social media.

“It's been a great experience being part of UD esports, and I can't wait for it to grow even further and potentially even have more teams or games for UD eSports,” Miller said. 

As the program grows, the focus remains clear: creating space for everyone to play, connect and belong. Whether through competition or casual matches, the esports team continues to level up what community looks like at UD.