Mercyhurst esports: Where pixels meet passion
In the pulsating realm of esports, boundaries blur between the virtual and the real, uniting millions in a shared love for the art of gaming. At Mercyhurst University, esports has emerged as a celebration of talent, creativity, and the limitless potential for human connection in the digital age.
Unlike traditional sports, esports requires no fields, courts, or tracks. Instead, its stage is an innovative computer lab in Zurn Hall, equipped with two large TV screens and 11 high-performance computers tailored for competitive gaming.
Since its launch last fall under the leadership of new director Mathew Corfee, Mercyhurst’s esports program has made a remarkable debut in the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC). The university’s "Rocket League" team dominated the season, finishing with nine wins and just one loss.
The program has attracted 76 members, many of whom enjoy gaming recreationally or aim to compete at higher levels. Of these, 24 students actively participate across four competitive teams representing games of “Rocket League,” “Overwatch,” “Valorant,” and “League of Legends.” Both the “Overwatch” and “Valorant” teams posted strong 5-3 records, while the “League of Legends” team secured a balanced 4-4 finish.
Building on this early success, Mercyhurst esports is gearing up for a strong showing in the spring season. Corfee, a 24-year-old esports enthusiast who previously launched the program at his alma mater, Bowling Green State University, is eager to create a welcoming and growth-oriented environment at Mercyhurst.
“What makes esports so special is its inclusivity,” said Corfee. “It doesn’t matter your size, background, or where you’re from; we aim to create a space where everyone feels at home. I’m looking for students who are collaborative, communicative, and open to growth.”
Esports offers opportunities at every level, from casual “Mario Kart” players to competitors vying for millions in tournaments like the Fortnite World Cup.
For Corfee, esports was a personal lifeline. Once a multisport athlete excelling in football, track and field, and snowboarding, Corfee was diagnosed at 14 with Osgood Schlatter disease, a common cause of anterior knee pain that ended his traditional sports pursuits. Esports reignited his competitive spirit and provided the camaraderie he had missed.
Today, between 200 and 300 colleges and universities boast esports programs, with growing audiences on platforms like Twitch, where Mercyhurst streams its competitions live for fans.
Yet for Corfee, esports is about more than just winning. “I’m excited to see how our students grow—not just in competition, but also in teamwork, communication, and collaboration,” he said.
For more information about Mercyhurst esports, contact Mathew Corfee at mcorfee@mercyhurst.edu.
PHOTO: Mathew Corfee