DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University's esports team has maximized its opportunities to compete this semester against outside competition due to the nature of the sport.  The squad has played a total of 25 matches against some of the top competition across the county that includes Alabama, UCLA, Penn State, and Indiana University.
Averett head coach Todd Blanton has been ecstatic with his team's development throughout this semester with the top tier competition it has faced.
 
"We have played very well, and we have had some very competitive matches," Blanton said. "We have got to go toe to toe with some the best schools in the nation. I am very proud of my team and excited about next semester now that we have a full semester under our belts."
 
Being the only team on campus having outside competition has been the key to the progression of the esports program and also has help raise awareness for the program. Blanton has been excited about how his team has handled this semester of competition. The curveballs that have been thrown their way this fall has made the semester very difficult but nevertheless they have battled through and prevailed.
 
"In terms of being the only team participating in outside competition, it has felt largely the same as usual, though with more interest from the community of Averett than has been seen in previous semesters," senior Trysten Wiggins-Fralin said.  
 
Freshman Jackson Dobbs added that this semester has contributed to not only skill development but team bonding as well.
 
"As a team we have seen a lot of progression going from basically nothing with only a couple of us knowing each other at the start to all of us being pretty good friends and working together better while playing in matches," he said.
 
Blanton believes this fall has contributed to the program in many different ways.
 
"It's given us a great spotlight and we are able to be highlighted more," Blanton said. "Being able to grow our brand and gaining more exposure on Twitch, being part of the homecoming event and having our match broadcasted. It has also given us a ton of momentum going into next semester."
 
The Averett esports program will be back in action on Dec. 18-20 when the League of Legends team will be playing in a tournament hosted by Stockton University.