Supporting players from all backgrounds and skill levels, the competitive, in-person and online multiplayer video gaming, known as esports, is making its mark at the University of Sioux Falls.
Starting in the Fall 2026 semester, USF will offer esports at the club level. According to USF, this new program is envisioned to hone players’ mechanical, strategic, problem-solving, leadership, collaborative and communicative skills both online and in the real world.
The program has plans to launch teams to compete in five different games, but USF is open to feedback from students and prospective players to launch additional teams for games beyond the current selection. Currently, the games en route to be offered are League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch 2, Rocket League and Valorant.
“Games are chosen based on popular interest, competitive feasibility and their team-based emphasis. If students want to play a game together and there is collegiate conference support for it, we want to provide that opportunity to get engaged as much as possible,” said Libby Franken, the team’s coach.
Franken was asked to coach in Jan. 2026, given her background in esports. While in school, Franken served as the Team Captain of esports at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA, and now serves as USF’s Head Coach.
“I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the lessons esports taught me,” said Franken.
The program is currently in the structured growth phase of development, meaning the team has administrative backing, a dedicated practice space on USF’s campus and the necessary hardware for proper performance. Franken and administrators have started the initial processes of recruiting interested and prospective students. Getting the program on its feet has taken time and the help of multiple departments at USF beyond Franken’s efforts, including Information Technology (IT), Student Life, Faculty and the Executive team.
“Our primary effort now is building our roster and our team identity, establishing who we are, what we do and why we do it,” said Franken.
While still competitive, esports offers a unique opportunity to bridge gaps on campus. The program has the ability to engage students of many different skill levels, majors, involvement and interests. Being a part of this club sport will offer students the freedom to engage in a competitive community without the physical or social barriers of other sports.
“Increasing campus engagement and enrollment is always a priority, but more than that, we want to create a place of belonging for gamers and non-gamers alike,” said Franken.
Franken hopes to see more incoming freshmen seek interest in the program by increasing connections with Sioux Falls high schools to increase the visibility of the esports program and USF as a whole. Interested students are able to contact Franken directly through email: [email protected], or by filling out the interest form found on the USF esports website: usiouxfalls.edu/esports.
“I want people in the Midwest to say, ‘USF is building something serious in esports.’ We’re not just here to participate. We’re here to compete, represent the University of Sioux Falls with pride and with skill, and build a respected program with deep roots and even deeper commitment to its community,” said Franken.
