Avery Meiste takes over as Head Coach of Esports at DC

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Defiance College's Esports program has a new leader with Avery Meiste taking the reigns as the Yellow Jackets take aim at the 2024-25 academic year. Meiste takes over a program that has finished first and second in the NECC for Rocket League in the last two years and is ambitious to continue the upward trajectory across all gaming competitions. He will also lead the way as the team begins competition within the WHAC as a fully sanctioned sport in DC's new athletic alignment with the NAIA, which takes effect on July 1.

Meiste comes to Defiance after Esports coaching experience from Grand Valley State University and West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids. A 2022 GVSU graduate, he joined the Lakers' Esports Club as a freshman, became the Overwatch team captain in 2019 and was later the game leader for Valorant in 2021. He became the head coach for Valorant at West Catholic High School prior to graduating from Grand Valley State but also volunteered to mentor the Valorant team at GVSU after graduation. The Holland, Mich. native was tabbed the first varsity head coach in Valorant in 2023 and continued in that role through the spring of 2024. 

"Esports is a billion-dollar industry with growing participation every year," said Athletic Director Tiffani Selhorst. It was important for our department to find someone who understands that Defiance College has an opportunity to grow and give students a place to participate in video gaming. I am very impressed with Avery and his understanding of our next steps and how he can help put Defiance College on the map in this arena."

"I am super pumped to help transform Esports at Defiance into something every player can be proud of and hope to build a culture where everyone is playing for the person beside them," said Meiste. "Hopefully I can help ensure that all students can look back at their experience with Esports as a fond memory."

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