The Northeast State Bears Esports teams completed an exciting spring with the Rocket League Team A crew capturing the college’s first-ever college division championship!
The Northeast State Rocket League A Team won the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Varsity Plus divisional championship on April 7. The Bears tamed the Lesley University Lynx of Cambridge, Mass., by 4 to 3 at the Esports Arena in Wayne G. Basler Library.
Team A gamers Trey Baker, Cody Worley, and Jake Sexton powered across the digital pitch to win Northeast State Esports first NACE division championship. The Rocket League game fuses soccer and high-octane automobiles to create a whirlwind competition requiring strategy, speed, and a deft understanding of physics. Teams of three gamers navigate the digital arena, scoring goals and defending against high-flying vehicles of their opponents.
“It was really fun playing one of my favorite games competitively, and I enjoyed being able to develop our skills as a team,” said Baker. “Joining the team helped me make friends and taught me how to speak to a group and take some sort of leadership role.”
Northeast State fielded two Rocket League teams this season. The Bears’ Rocket League Team B lost a thrilling overtime championship match on April 7 against the Simpson College (Indianola, Iowa) Storm. Team B gamers Preston Darling, Payton Pierce, and James Matthew Crane completed a stellar regular season with a 6-1 record.
“It taught me a lot about teamwork, communication, and staying calm under pressure,” said Sexton. “What I enjoyed most was the camaraderie with my teammates—pushing each other to improve and celebrating our wins together.”
Northeast State Esports teams compete in NACE divisions in the fall and spring semesters. This spring, Northeast State Esports fielded teams in Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Call of Duty, and Super Smash Brothers game divisions against two- and four-year institutions across the country. The games feature dazzling effects and highly competitive gamers on the powerful Alienware gaming platforms.
“It was an extraordinary season! Everyone put in immense effort, and it shows,” said Joshua Lindamood, head coach of Northeast State Esports team. “I’m incredibly proud of how the guys practiced and improved over the semester.”
This Rocket League victory not only brings prestige to Northeast State’s esports program but also highlights the growing prominence of collegiate esports in the region. The season marked Lindamood’s first as head coach. A Northeast State alumnus, he played on the Northeast State Halo: Infinite team in the spring season of 2023.
“Coach Josh was an absolute legend, and we definitely could not have won the finals without his support,” said Worley. “I will be back again for my sophomore year hoping to crush the finals once again.”
The National Association of Collegiate Esports oversees the nonprofit membership association of colleges & universities with varsity esports programs. Over 260 schools across the United States and Canada compete for NACE championships every year in a variety of esports titles. Esports games stream live on the Bears’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@northeaststateesports.
“We faced a rocky start, but we learned from our losses,” said Lindamood. “We refined our game plan and took home the win for Northeast State.”
Congratulations to all the Northeast State Esports teams and players for a thrilling season of fun. Get ready to cheer on the Bears when the fall season begins in September.
Awesome job Josh Lindamood!