Esports Team Heads to Nationals with Confidence

Excitement is in the air as Brookdale Community College’s Valorant team gears up for the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) Tier 3 National League Grand Finals. After a stellar performance in the Quarter Finals and Semi Finals, the team is set to face off against the College of DuPage on Thursday, December 7, at 6 pm in the Brookdale Esports Arena and live streamed on www.twitch.tv/brookdale_esports.

In 2019, the NJCAA formed NJCAA Esports to provide a competitive association tailored to the unique needs of 2-year and community colleges. With over 3,000 students and 200 member institutions, NJCAA Esports has become a platform that facilitates competition and offers program solutions, including development, media, broadcasting, and more.

Brookdale’s Valorant team showcased their prowess last Sunday, securing decisive victories against SUNY Jefferson and Northeast Alabama Community College with 2-0 wins in the Quarter Finals and Semi Finals, respectively. While SUNY Jefferson faced a dominant Brookdale, Northeast Alabama posed a tougher challenge. However, the team’s resilience shone through, securing their spot in the Grand Finals.

Reflecting on the journey to the finals, Valorant team member William Ahlfeld highlighted the team’s capability. “The difference in all of these matches has to be the team’s incredible mentality and discipline,” Ahlfeld remarked. “Everyone is confident in themselves, and everyone makes sure to bring each other up if our spirits are ever low. Our coach has also helped all of us stay disciplined and stay focused so we can be successful in-game. I wouldn’t want any other teammates in the finale with me this week, everyone is so awesome!”

Teammate Dresdan Lewis added similar sentiments, “Our team is really great at communicating what works and what doesn’t in the middle of a game, so we are able to adapt. There are alot of things that make our team so great, like our coach, practices together, and confidence in each other as teammates.”

The Grand Finals will see Brookdale Community College facing off against the College of DuPage in what promises to be an intense battle. As the team takes the stage in the Brookdale Esports Arena, supporters and fans are eagerly anticipating an unforgettable showdown. Whether you’re a seasoned esports enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, Thursday’s event promises to be a spectacle, showcasing the talent and dedication of Brookdale’s Valorant team on the national stage.

Visit the Esports website for more information about the Esports program and the Arena, located at Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ, parking lot #7, lower level of Student Life Center.