Boise State isn’t just known for its iconic blue turf; it’s also a powerhouse in esports. And at the heart of that success are dedicated student-athletes like Austin Julian (AJ), a sophomore marketing major and varsity Valorant player from Indiana.
From Casual Gamer to Varsity Athlete
AJ’s journey began like many others: casual gaming with friends. But during the pandemic, he discovered a competitive edge in Valorant. “I found that I was excelling faster than my peers,” AJ recalls, “and thought, ‘Wow, I’m using a lot of my time to play this game. I want to get better.'” This realization led him to a program that connected aspiring esports athletes with college recruiters, ultimately landing him at Boise State.
Traveling for tournaments has been a highlight of AJ’s experience. From a Red Bull event on campus to a trip to Las Vegas and a national tournament in Texas, he’s had the chance to compete against top teams and experience the excitement of live events.
“It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had,” he says. These experiences not only provide valuable competition but also foster team bonding and create lasting memories.
Boise State’s Competitive Edge
What set Boise State apart? It wasn’t just the competitive teams or the state-of-the-art facilities; it was the culture. “I got to play with the team the year prior to me coming here,” AJ explains, “and I think that built a little bit of chemistry and a little bit more motivation for me to go here.” This sense of community, combined with the program’s impressive track record, made Boise State the perfect fit.
In fact, Boise State’s varsity Esports team is one of the premier leagues in the nation with 4 National Championship titles and over 2,000 matches played and live streams broadcasted on Twitch, with 1400+ total match victories and counting!
It’s More Than Just a Game
Boise State Esports stands out from the crowd, boasting multiple national and Mountain West championship titles. The team was honored and given championship rings during halftime at a recent basketball game at Extra Mile Arena for Mountain West Championship wins in Rocket League, Overwatch and Valorant.
Esports at Boise State is about more than just winning. It’s about personal growth and development. “These experiences have made me a more motivated person to go out and connect with more people,” AJ says. He emphasizes the valuable skills he’s gained, including teamwork, discipline, and coachability. “They really focus on building a culture here, and that starts in the game but builds outside of the game as well.”
Pictured above: AJ and his Valorant League team mates volunteering with a food recovery service.
Opportunities for Everyone
Boise State Esports offers a wide range of opportunities beyond playing. From broadcasting and coaching to tech support and event planning, students can find their niche. “They offer student broadcasting opportunities, and a lot of our broadcasters and casters for our games are students,” AJ explains.
Boise State provides extensive support for its esports athletes, including academic resources, nutritional support, and travel opportunities. “They offer academic resources, so they offer tutors and people to make sure that we’re keeping our grades in check,” AJ explains. The program also facilitates connections with recruiters and other players, expanding their network and opening doors to future opportunities.
Esports scholarships make it possible for talented individuals to become Broncos and to support some students in their academic pursuits. Overwatch player Jenny “DayDream” Cummins says:
“Being able to not only get a scholarship, but also play video games to get that scholarship, has made my college experience so much easier. I think it’s one of the coolest things that I have ever done in my life and probably will ever do.”
Pictured above: Jenny Cummins in the Esports arena.
AJ’s Advice for Aspiring Esports Athletes
For students interested in pursuing esports in college, AJ offers valuable advice: “Talk to more people, talk to more recruiters, find ways to get yourself out there, but also do your research on what schools you want.” He emphasizes the importance of academics and finding a program that aligns with your personal and professional goals. “You’re a student first, so make sure that wherever you’re going, it has what you need academically.”
Boise State Esports is more than just a team; it’s a community that fosters growth, opportunity, and a winning spirit. With dedicated athletes like AJ and a program committed to excellence, the future of Boise State Esports looks bright.