Session 1

Session 2

Esports and Purposeful Gaming

Enhancing Leadership, Communication, and Teamwork

Level up your skills in and out of the game. Whether you want to compete at a high level or a casual gamer, there is something for everyone in this program. This hands-on program blends academic insight with the excitement of play, guiding students to think strategically, act collaboratively, and communicate with purpose. 
Experience two dynamic weeks where gaming becomes a training ground for real-world success. Students will dive into structured, team-based gameplay to unlock leadership potential, sharpen communication skills, and build emotional intelligence. All sessions take place in the Pacific Gaming Center — a cutting-edge esports and gaming arena featuring high-performance gaming PCs, a PS5 racing simulator, a console lounge (Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, and PS5), plus professional-grade streaming equipment.
With guided coaching and intentional team play in titles like Fortnite and Overwatch 2, students learn how to carry the collaboration, adaptability, and resilience they practice in-game into school, extracurriculars, and future careers. Each class focuses on skill-building, positive team culture, and reflection — helping students see that gaming isn’t just play. It’s a powerful platform for growth, connection, and confident leadership on and off the screen.

Curriculum
  • Strengthen leadership and communication skills in competitive, team-based environments.
  • Learn structured approaches to teamwork, goal setting, and strategy under pressure.
  • Explore the emotional intelligence behind high-performing teams, and how this empowers them in game and outside of the game.
  • Build awareness of healthy gaming habits, sports conduct, and digital citizenship.
  • Collaborate on a capstone project to design and present a creative solution or event connecting gaming with leadership and community.

Students complete the program with practical insight into how esports and purposeful gaming culture, communication, and collaboration prepare them for success in academics, careers, and relationships.

Students gaming in the PGC
Planned Topics

Across the two-week experience, students explore:

  • The expanding world of esports and its role in global education.
  • Team leadership, communication, and problem-solving through titles like: Fortnite and Overwatch 2.
  • Psychology of performance and mindset: focus, feedback, and reflection.
  • Building inclusive, positive gaming environments and reducing toxicity in digital spaces.
  • Capstone development and presentation: researching, planning, and delivering a project that showcases their enhanced skills and insights.

All gameplay takes place in structured, age-appropriate team environments guided by university coaches and mentors, emphasizing collaboration and strategic thinking.
 

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Richard Woodruff
Faculty Lead
Richard Woodruff

Director of Esports and Gaming & Instructional Faculty, Eberhardt School of Business

Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Capella University, 2018

Founder, researcher, commissioner, and consultant providing scholastic esports and purposeful gaming support throughout the United States. Integrating discoveries from eustress research into programming for esports and gaming to support the development and advancement of emotional intelligence and transferable skills for all students.

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