National Champion Collegiate Esports Program Faces Closure
The Californer/10333426

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Converse University's nationally recognized Esports program—one of the most successful and inclusive collegiate esports programs in the United States—is facing closure due to funding cuts. In response, student-athletes and staff have launched the #SaveConverseEsports campaign, urging corporate partners and supporters to help preserve this championship-caliber program.

Founded in 2020 as Converse's first co-ed athletic team, Converse Esports has earned 3 National Championships and 14 Conference Championships in two academic years. The program fields nationally ranked teams, including its competitive League of Legends roster, and is known for its diversity: 37% of members identify as female, nonbinary, or transgender, among the highest representation rates in collegiate esports.

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The program also excels academically. Seventy-eight percent of student-athletes hold a 3.0 GPA or higher, and graduates credit the program with shaping their careers. One alumnus shared, "Esports changed my career path and gave me skills I'll use for life." Another, now a Deaf and Hard of Hearing educator, said, "Esports taught me leadership and team management—skills I use every day."

Proven Leadership

Program Director Jorge Sanchez has been central to the program's growth. Before joining Converse, he served as events director and president of Niner Esports at UNC Charlotte, where he helped earn national awards, generated over $55,000 in revenue, and authored the proposal that secured a $2 million state grant for a new esports facility.

"Collegiate esports delivers strong return on investment," said Sanchez. "Cutting this program isn't a cost-saving measure—it cuts off a pipeline of career-ready talent. We're fighting to save a program that changes lives."

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Corporate Support Growing

Early support includes backing from technology company Tesseraq. "Converse Esports elevates the university's national presence," said Tara, Brand Representative for Tesseraq. "Their recent DreamHack and Peach Belt wins show the caliber of this program. We support their efforts to continue this work."

Call to Action

The #SaveConverseEsports campaign is seeking corporate sponsorships to keep the program operating. With over 5.1 million followers across participating league channels, Converse Esports offers strong visibility for partners.

Corporations can become Founding Partners and play a direct role in preserving a successful, diverse, academically strong collegiate esports program. Sponsorship deck available upon request.

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact jorge.sanchez@converse.edu.

Visit https://bit.ly/save-converse-esports to support our program.

About Converse Esports

Established in 2020, Converse Esports is a championship-winning program committed to competitive excellence, academic achievement, and inclusive student development.