At Southern Miss, Esports is more than just a game. It’s a growing community where passion for gaming intersects with opportunities for learning and development.
Two key players, Ethan Snead, a former Rocket League competitor, and Michael Wright, the captain of the Halo Gold Team, recently shared their personal experiences, revealing how the program has impacted their college lives in ways they never anticipated.
“The most important lesson I learned was how to bounce back after a loss and keep focusing on the positives,” Snead said. “Even though I’ve retired from competitive play, the relationships I built with my teammates are still strong. Those connections will stay with me long after my time at Southern Miss.”
Wright echoed similar sentiments.
“My experience has been up and down,” he explained. “I am on my way out to graduate. And with how many opportunities I have gained and the friends I made genuinely makes it worth my time. It makes me happy that this program will live on after my time because of the dedication of the community and the staff.”
USM Esports has come a long way since its inception in 2020. What started as a small program has rapidly transformed into a competitive hub with around 80 students competing across multiple games.
“We’ve got something for everyone,” Wright said., adding that the community is not just for hardcore gamers.
The program offers a variety of games, ranging from Halo and Rocket League to Overwatch 2, Rainbow Six Siege, and even fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter.
One of the unique aspects of Southern Miss Esports is the diverse opportunities it offers to students to get involved.
“Esports isn’t just about playing games,” Wright states. “If you’re into graphic design, video editing, or running live streams on Twitch, there’s a place for you in the production team.”
The behind-the-scenes work in media production, streaming, and commentary is as crucial to the program’s success as the players themselves. From broadcasting live tournaments to creating highlight reels for social media, the production team works to give Southern Miss Esports a professional edge.
For students looking to get involved, Snead and Wright recommend taking the first step by joining the Southern Miss Esports Discord or visiting the Esports room on campus to learn more about tryouts, which take place at the end of each semester.
“Put yourself out there,” Snead said. “That one message to the team manager led to two of the best years of my life. You never know what could happen until you try.”
Wright added, “Esports is all about finding your role, whether that’s competing or helping behind the scenes. There’s something for everyone, and the community is always welcoming.”
As the Southern Miss Esports team continues to evolve, students can look forward to more opportunities, both in competition and in production. Whether you’re a player or a creator, the program offers something for everyone.
