Going Above and Beyond: Neumont Esports Players Build Skills Beyond Competition
Going Above and Beyond: Neumont Esports Players Build Skills Beyond Competition
Neumont esports president Eric Cantrell and teammate Makaden Espinosa.
Eric Cantrell didn’t plan on leading an esports team when he enrolled at Neumont, but within a month of his freshman year, he was coaching a whole roster.
“A month into my first year, I had a team of new players who beat our own main Rainbow Six Siege roster, and that’s when things started moving fast,” Eric said.
Later, after interviewing with the outgoing esports president, Eric took on an even larger responsibility: leading Neumont’s esports program as the new president and represent Neumont on a larger stage.
Under his leadership, the team made its first-ever LAN appearance in Waco, Texas. Their performance at the event opened the door to an even bigger opportunity: Eric was recruited by Model 1, an amateur professional esports organization.
Eric is now competing on Model 1’s Academy team, with the organization covering his entry fees for events including RiotX League, R6 Unite, and other Rainbow Six Siege tournaments.
“These chances only exist because of the program Neumont built to help players like me grow,” Eric said.
Turning Campus Casting into Industry Experience
While Eric found opportunities to develop as a competitor and leader, other Neumont esports members have discovered their paths behind the microphone. Casting, providing live commentary and analysis during matches, has allowed students to build communication skills and gain experience in the esports industry.
Noah Dilday began casting games at Neumont. After learning about RiotX League from the esports president, he applied and was selected to serve as a caster for the organization’s first season.
Neumont’s champion Rainbow 6 Siege team.
“Casting games at Neumont gave me the experience I needed to pursue bigger opportunities,” Noah said. “It’s been a fantastic experience working with an external organization, especially knowing that Neumont actively invests in its students.”
Noah’s involvement with Neumont esports has also taken him beyond the campus environment. One of the highlights of his year was traveling to Waco with the Rainbow Six Siege team, an experience he never expected to have as a first-year college student.
“I’m grateful that Neumont gave me opportunities to travel with the team and compete outside of campus. Noah said.
Finding a Passion Behind the Mic
Rocket League MVP Collin Gamble and teammates
Adam “Casper” Johnson also found a passion for casting through his involvement with Neumont esports. Although he competes in TFG and Super Smash Bros., casting quickly became the part of the program he enjoyed most.
“Getting the call about RiotX League from our esports president was honestly such a fun moment for me,” Adam said. “I’ve been casting games at Neumont, and even though I also compete in TFG and Smash, casting is what I really fell in love with here.”
When Adam applied for RiotX League and earned a spot, it felt like a natural next step in a journey that began at Neumont.
“When I applied for RiotX and got the spot, it felt like everything just clicked,” he said. “I’m so grateful Neumont gave me the space to figure out what I actually enjoy doing and then helped me go do it for real.”
Building Skills Beyond the Game
Eric, Noah, and Adam each took different paths through Neumont esports. Whether leading a team, competing at a LAN event, or casting for an external organization, they have gone beyond the program’s basic requirements to explore their interests and build valuable experience. Their stories demonstrate how Neumont esports can serve as more than a place to play esports games. Through competition, travel, leadership, and casting, students are finding opportunities to grow, and turning those experiences into meaningful steps towards their future.
Esports President Eric Cantrell and the winning Neumont Llamas.