By Samuel Boehlke
Concordia University Wisconsin Esports' breakout Valorant team began preparations this week for their second full season.
After their first-ever tryouts, the team released their new official roster on Wednesday night, changing starting five in preparation for a change of league participation. CUW Valorant will continue competing in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) but will transfer from their previous second league to the Collegiate Esports Association (CEA).
Coach Jack Slater has high expectations for the team this spring but offered a hopeful outlook. "I fully expect to win both leagues. The team has surpassed expectations going into this current season and continues to grow together," Slater said. "Tryouts opened my eyes a lot to the potential that this team has. Their drive for improvement is truly motivating."
Concordia Valorant's starting five will be led by team captain Adam Hedman, with players Josh Imlah, Will Partain, Luke Bigalk, and Danny Haarmann. Also available as substitutes are Temish Christiansen and Samuel Boehlke.
As of last season, the team climbed from the bottom 25% of individual player rankings and won their way to playoffs in both leagues; they ended with a semifinal loss to Eau Claire in the NECC.
The higher initial ranks will be a challenge, but the team is adaptable and ready to take on whatever is thrown at them
"I'm looking very forward to showing off our skill at the Invitational. I think we're going to catch a lot of people off guard and start to worry some opponents," Slater said.
When previous opponents were mentioned, the team seemed unfazed and, in fact, almost energized by the specters of the end of their fall season.
"We're ready for some payback with Eau Claire. It should be a fun game. We're both very different teams than we were last season," Slater said.
PlACEMENT MATCHES BEGAN ON January 24th. Regular season competition for the CEA begins February 4th. The team will also be competing in a weekend tournament in February.
Be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @CUWEsports, and watch live games from all CUW Esports' teams at twitch. tv/cuwesports.
