Cornell College Esports: Small Town, Big Dreams

Ramsey, Founder & CEO 1/27/2025

Nestled in the quaint and charming town of Mount Vernon, Iowa, Cornell College is proof that you don’t need a sprawling campus or a big-city backdrop to cultivate champions in esports. Here, amidst historic red-brick buildings and tree-lined paths, students are redefining what it means to be both gamers and scholars.

Cornell’s esports program doesn’t just focus on winning—though their trophy cabinet would suggest they do that quite well. Instead, the program places an emphasis on fostering community, resilience, and innovation. It’s a reflection of the college itself: small, intimate, and brimming with ambition.

The Spark of Something New

When Cornell launched its esports program in 2019, there were skeptics. How could a liberal arts college in the heart of the Midwest compete with powerhouse programs backed by major sponsorships and big-name schools? But Cornell thrives on defying expectations. The program began with just a handful of students and one dedicated coach, Mayson Sheehan, whose passion for gaming and mentorship lit the spark.

Fast forward to today, and Cornell boasts competitive teams in League of Legends, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Valorant, and more.

The People Behind the Screens

Cornell’s rosters are as diverse as they are talented. According to Cornell’s official esports pages, the teams include players like Camden Bergquist in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Kyle Neumann in Rocket League. First-year players like Jacob Bult represent the program’s bright future. Head Coach Jack VonKampen, who took over in 2022, has continued to guide the program’s growth, focusing on both competitive success and player development.

Victory Beyond the Scoreboard

While Cornell’s teams have earned accolades, including postseason appearances and All-Midwest Esports Conference honors, the program’s greatest victories lie in its culture. The esports arena is a hub where students gather, form friendships, and hone their skills both in and out of the game.

The program has also put Mount Vernon on the map for esports, hosting events that bring in competitors from across the region. These efforts have helped elevate Cornell’s visibility in the collegiate esports community.

Gaming with a Purpose

What makes Cornell College esports truly unique is its integration with the school’s broader mission of liberal arts education. Players apply principles from their coursework to their gameplay, exploring intersections between gaming, technology, and leadership. Cornell’s focus on holistic development ensures that its players leave prepared for success both within and beyond the esports arena.

A Community United

As Cornell’s esports program continues to grow, one thing remains constant: its commitment to community. From competitive matches to outreach programs for local students, the program exemplifies what it means to use gaming as a tool for connection and growth.

In Mount Vernon, a small town with big dreams, Cornell College esports is proving that excellence knows no boundaries. And for the students who call this program home, the journey is only just beginning.