Posted December 27, 2025
Esports have emerged as one of the fastest-growing competitive activities around the world over the past decade. The University of River Falls joined that movement, forming its own esports team in 2022 and beginning competition during the 2023-24 season.
The River Falls team competes in games such as Overwatch, Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, Fortnite, and League of Legends. Since its creation, the team has posted a winning record each season.
Many people may not fully understand what Esports are or how they operate, often assuming they are simply college students playing video games. However, the program is much more than that.
Coach Gentilcore has led the team since its start in 2022 and has played a key role in its success.
“Our practice and match schedule is basically two to three hours per night, Monday through Thursday, for the vast majority of our rosters,” Gentilcore said.
That level of commitment keeps players prepared for weekend tournaments.
Players William Sogard and Ben Strandmark both discussed the challenges of balancing Esports with academics and life outside of gaming.
“Some days, it is difficult managing academics, the Army, and esports,” Sogard said. “However, it has allowed me to learn an extremely important skill: time management.”
Strandmark added, “I have always put my education first, and when needed, I am willing to put esports off to the side to prioritize other, more important things.”
Teamwork has been a key factor in the program’s success.
“The first step to making sure our players are in a good spot to be great teammates is to find people who are passionate about competing in a title they love that we offer varsity spots for,” Gentilcore said. “After that, it’s about getting in reps as a team, fostering communication, and building a team environment where people enjoy showing up and playing together.”
Sogard agreed that teamwork is vital.
“One person cannot just win the match by themselves in Overwatch,” he said. “The team is only as strong as its weakest link. But teamwork, and most importantly communication, helps everyone become better, and it’s ultimately the reason why we win games.”
Esports are about more than competition. They are about the experiences and skills players gain through participation.
When asked why they continue to compete, Strandmark said, “I feel that my passion and love for the core game, as well as the communities I’ve been able to be a part of, are the main reasons I still continue to compete. Without all the friends I’ve met along the way that make events enjoyable to go to, I’m not sure I would continue competing, as I want the experience to be enjoyable and fun.”
Sogard commented, “For me, the team and camaraderie are what keep me in esports,” he said.
“The friends and bonds you make are vital to competing in esports. I continue to compete because I personally want to be the best at my role in the game.”
To outsiders, esports may seem like just people playing video games. But for those who look beyond that perception, it becomes clear that esports develop relationships, experiences, teamwork, time management, strategy, and focus. Esports may not be physical, but it embodies all the elements of what it means to be a sport.
The article may be found online at https://uwrfjournalism.org/2025/12/river-falls-esports-program-builds-winning-culture-since-2022-launch/.