Spotlight on Grand View University Esports: Pioneers of the Midwest

Ramsey, Founder & CEO 3/12/2025

Grand View University (GVU), nestled in Des Moines, Iowa, has established itself as a trailblazer in collegiate esports. As the first higher education institution in Iowa to introduce a varsity esports program in 2017, GVU has been at the forefront of integrating competitive gaming into academia.

Program Overview

GVU's esports program offers varsity teams in popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, Fortnite, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Recognizing the diverse interests of its student body, the university also supports junior varsity teams to accommodate growing participation. As a founding member of the Midest Esports Conference (MEC), GVU ensures its teams compete at the highest levels, reflecting the institution's commitment to excellence.

In 2018, GVU made a significant appointment by bringing on Dana Hustedt as the director of esports. Her hiring marked a historic moment, as she became the first female collegiate esports director in the United States. Under her incredible leadership, GVU began setting the benchmarks for other institutions to emulate. Nathan Ragsdell stepped in 2021 as esports director, and the program has continued to flourish as a top-ranked, competitve team.

Notable Achievements

Since its inception, GVU's esports teams have consistently showcased their prowess:

League of Legends: The team has demonstrated strategic depth and mechanical skill, earning accolades in various tournaments.
Overwatch: GVU's Overwatch team has been lauded for its coordination and adaptability, often emerging as a formidable opponent in collegiate circuits.
Rocket League: Combining agility and precision, the Rocket League team has secured commendable placements, reflecting the program's holistic training approach.

Player Development

At the heart of GVU's esports success is its emphasis on player development. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated gaming arenas and access to performance analysis tools. This infrastructure ensures that players not only hone their in-game skills but also develop leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking abilities.

Community Engagement

Beyond competitive play, GVU's esports program actively engages with the broader community. Through workshops, seminars, and local tournaments, the university fosters a culture of inclusivity and knowledge-sharing, promoting the positive aspects of gaming.

Looking Ahead

As esports continues to evolve, Grand View University remains committed to adapting and expanding its program. With a solid foundation, visionary leadership, and talented players, GVU is poised to remain a significant contributor to the collegiate esports landscape.

As MEC comissioner, I am deeply excited to have Grand View in the MEC as a strong and foundational member. With their high degree of competition and passion for esports, we aim to give them & the region a platform for student recognition and experience.

"Unified has been a major staple of competition for us with easily some of the best LAN and broadcast events that we've been a part of in collegiate. Every year they get better and the competition gets stronger. Love what Unified is cooking up and happy to have been with them since the beginning." - Nathan Ragsdell, Director of Esports

In highlighting Grand View University's esports program, we see a model of how dedication, innovation, and community engagement can converge to create a thriving collegiate esports environment.

For more information about Grand View University's esports program, visit their page.