LUBBOCK, Texas (June 14, 2022) – Lubbock Christian University director of athletics
Scott Larson has chosen
Brandon Hackett to serve as the new head coach and director of esports gaming.
"Brandon has been involved with LCU Esports since its inception and has a tremendous passion for the program and Lubbock Christian University," said Larson. "He understands the mission of LCU and we look forward to him continuing the growth and upward trajectory of the program."
Hackett takes over for Noah Flint, who did an exceptional job in the startup of the LCU Esports program and returned home to Arlington, Texas to take over the Texas Arlington (UTA) Esports program. A native of Abernathy, Texas, Hackett graduated with a General Business degree at Lubbock Christian University (Magna Cum Laude) and also claimed a Game Design degree at Full Sail University (Salutatorian) in Winter Park, Fla. He served as a level designer for Pixel Beard Games in Phoenix, Ariz. before coming to Lubbock Christian, where he has served as teaching assistant for game design and as a research assistant. Hackett aided Flint by creating the Chap Gaming Club and assisted in additional avenues of the esports program.
"I am blessed and excited for the opportunity to continue growing the successful esports program here at LCU," Hackett commented. "My mission is to provide our student athletes the platform to share their gifts and talents with the LCU community and the world of esports. I look forward to working with the LCU family and the promising future of LCU Esports."
LCU was the fourth Lone Star Conference member to add a varsity esports program. The program is members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and Riot Scholastic Association of America (RSAA). NACE, established in 2016, has an estimated 175 members, with McMurry marking the only other member within a 250-mile radius of Lubbock. RSAA organized by Riot Games–the developer of League of Legends.
The 2021-22 school term was LCU's first season of esports competitions. Both LCU varsity and club programs operate out of an esports arena located in the Dobbs Center of Business on the LCU campus. Apex Legends, Valorant, League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. and Overwatch are six games LCU's esports programs compete in, with additional games being explored.
