Augustana University Esports Program – Launched in 2022 with Multiple Competitive Teams

Augustana University’s Esports Program serves as the vibrant new home for all organized gaming on campus. Led by Program Coordinator Jake Mahowald ’16, the initiative represents a strategic push to embed competitive gaming into the university experience and cultivate community among students. Tucked within the campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this student-driven hub equips participants with dedicated spaces for scrims, strategy sessions, and social play, turning digital battles into real-world bonds. The program is already fielding varsity teams in several popular titles. The inaugural League of Legends squad launched a seven-week circuit in early 2023 under the College League of Legends (CLOL) banner, continuing the rollout with Rocket League and Valorant, competing in circles like the Collegiate Champions League (CCL). With high-spec setups for these MOBAs and shooters, it fosters skill-building from casual queues to ranked climbs, all while celebrating Viking pride in every victory.

As a university-managed program, it is open exclusively to current Augustana students and club members, with no general public or neighboring community access available.

Beyond competition, the esports program is designed to foster community. Students connect through a dedicated Discord server, where they strategize with coaches, find teammates, and participate in events—helping to form social bonds that extend beyond the screen. Augustana also plans to brand itself as a Midwest esports destination, aiming for expansion into the Midwest Esports Conference and hosting youth camps to introduce high schoolers to collegiate gameplay.

📍 Campus facilities, Augustana University, 2001 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57197
🕒 Student hours (club events/drop-ins; typically evenings/weekends during terms)
🖥️ High-spec PCs • Optimized for LoL, Rocket League, Valorant
🎮 Casual student sessions, varsity scrims (LoL, Rocket League, Valorant), Discord events, youth camps
💲 Free for students (included in club fees)
🔧 Campus-exclusive & reliable, supportive staff, inclusive community vibe
🎯 Ideal for student athletes seeking collegiate esports

📞 +1 (605) 274-5516
📧 esports@augie.edu
🌐 website