In 2021, esports became the first coed varsity sport at Carthage, and the 28th overall sport for the Firebirds.
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Fresh off an unforgettable first season, the Carthage esports program is ready to expand.

Next season, the Firebirds will welcome their first recruiting class and compete in an additional eight game titles: Fortnite, FIFA, Madden, NBA 2K, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Halo Infinite, Overwatch 2, and Chess.

The spring 2022 esports roster featured 42 student-athletes. All eight teams advanced to conference division playoffs and qualified for nationals.

“I am completely thrilled at the success that Carthage esports was able to find in our inaugural year,” said Kevin Palmer, director of esports.

Season recap

As part of the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC), Carthage competed in five game titles: Valorant, Rainbow 6: Siege, Overwatch, League of Legends, and Rocket League. Below is a rundown of each team’s achievements for the spring 2022 season.

Valorant

  • Competed in playoffs
  • Qualified for nationals

Rainbow 6: Siege

  • Went undefeated in regular season
  • Competed in playoffs
  • Qualified for nationals

Overwatch

  • Competed in playoffs
  • Reached divisional championship game
  • Competed in nationals

Rocket League (Teams A, B, and C)

  • Team A went undefeated in regular season, won NECC conference division title, advanced to final four at nationals
  • Teams B and C competed in playoffs and nationals

League of Legends (Teams A and B)

  • Team B went undefeated in regular season, reached championship game in both divisional playoffs and nationals
  • Team A competed in playoffs and nationals

Nadia Musaitef ’25, League of Legends Team B captain, was happy to compete with fellow Firebirds. “I couldn’t have asked to play with better teammates,” she said. “Not only did I get to play a game that I love, but I also got to play with people who I consider to be my close friends.”

“Our student-athletes were tremendous. It was a joy to watch them play and compete this year,” said Nate Stewart, Carthage director of athletics. “I look forward to Coach Palmer continuing to grow our program as we add more game titles next year and more student-athletes. The future is bright for Carthage esports. It is a great time to be a Firebird!”

Contact Kevin Palmer at kpalmer1@carthage.edu for more information.