Saints Esports named NACE Program of the Year

St. Clair College cleaned up at the annual National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Awards this past week in Indianapolis, picking up 13 awards including being named Program of the Year.

The Saints beat out finalists Butler University, Full Sail University and Shenandoah University for the honour. The awards were voted on by NACE member schools, which has grown to over 250 institutions this past year.

“It was an absolutely amazing feeling to be recognized by our peers in this way,” said Shaun Byrne, St. Clair College Esports Director. It really puts things into perspective and gives us the confidence to continue building towards our vision for what collegiate esports can be.”

The Saints also took home 12 individual awards including 5 for Player of the Year, 4 for Coach of the Year along with Male Student of the Year, Social Media Producer of the Year and Broadcast Producer of the Year.

“St. Clair College has been a longstanding leader in collegiate esports, recognized for their program’s outstanding, comprehensive approach,” said Sari Kitelyn, Chair of the NACE Board of Directors and Director of Esports at Full Sail University. “After an incredible competitive season, it was no surprise to see them take home awards in coaching, gameplay and student success. NACE members clearly recognize the power of the St. Clair Saints.”

Award Winners

Program of the Year
St. Clair College

Player of the Year - Call of Duty
Justin Parent - Honours Bachelor of Commerce

Player of the Year - Rainbow 6 Siege
Ethan Elmer - Esports Administration & Entrepreneurship

Player of the Year - Rocket League
Ben Talbot - Computer System Technology - Networking

Player of the Year - Overwatch
Liban Abubaker - Computer System Technology - Networking

Player of the Year - Valorant
Gabrielius Jakas - Esports Administration & Entrepreneurship

Coach of the Year - Call of Duty
Zarin Bartholomew - Esports Administration & Entrepreneurship

Coach of the Year - Rainbow 6 Siege
Spencer Squires - Esports Administration & Entrepreneurship

Coach of the Year - Rocket League
Isabella Talotta - Esports Administration & Entrepreneurship

Coach of the Year - Valorant
Owen Mantha - Business Administration - Marketing

Male Student of the Year
Nicolas Ciri - Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Information Communication Technology)

Social Media Producer of the Year
Trent Sovran - Advertising & Marketing Communications Management

Broadcast Producer of the Year
Ryan Sheehan - Esports Administration & Entrepreneurship

Chris Funston