Ball State University was awarded Program of the Year honors at the EsportsU Collegiate Awards. 

Ball State Esports was selected as the best out of more than 3,000 academic institutions. 

“We are thrilled to receive the Esports Program of the Year Award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, and staff, and it's an honor to be recognized as one of the top programs in the industry,” Dan Marino, esports director at Ball State and head coach of the University’s esports varsity team said. “We're proud of the work we've done this year to earn this award and look forward to continuing to build a program that fosters excellence, sportsmanship, and teamwork.”

There are more than 800 students participating in the Ball State student-run Esports Club, which also includes more than 50 student-athletes on its varsity team. 

The Cardinals also ranked well nationally in games. In Overwatch, they ranked No. 18 nationally, in League of Legends they ranked No. 11 and also ranked No. 13 in Rocket League. 

Ball State has also hosted the 2023 Indiana High School State Championship for Esports. 

“We are extremely proud and grateful to have been named the Esports Program of the Year,” Dr. Paaige Turner, CCIM dean said. “At Ball State, we have been intentional in our holistic and student-centered approach to esports, which is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. I would like to congratulate our esports student-athletes, as well as Dan Marino and his staff, whose hard work and passion are clearly making a meaningful impact not only on our campus but around the country.”

For more information about Ball State Esports, visit the program’s website, email esports@bsu.edu, or call 765-285-6025.

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