Fueling Victory: Aaron Stiles’ Journey from Player to Passionate eSports Coach

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Aaron Stiles dedicated most of his adolescence to two main pursuits – soccer and gaming.

“I participated in club soccer, which was my primary focus, and I also played Call of Duty,” Stiles noted. “I’d attend soccer, and afterward, I’d engage in Call of Duty.”

Now, Stiles is poised to share his enthusiasm for gaming as the head coach of Roberts Wesleyan University’s eSports program.

Hailing from Horseheads, N.Y., Stiles was appointed to lead the Redhawks in November and has been actively recruiting since joining.

Since Stiles’ arrival, the Redhawks have welcomed seven new members into the program and are aiming to include three additional players to the current roster of nine before the season commences on Feb. 2.

“I’m incredibly thrilled to be at the collegiate level,” Stiles exclaimed. “It’s an excellent way to engage a multitude of students and get many players involved. I’m particularly excited about Roberts as it’s a new beginning, and the possibilities are endless.”

This season, the Redhawks will compete in Rocket League, League of Legends, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Stiles, who holds a degree in film and video production from SUNY-Fredonia, has prior experience as an eSports coach, organizing camps for the YMCA and hosting events for a company called Tech Adventure.

Stiles and his wife, Grace, who serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Education at Roberts, have a three-year-old son named Owen. In addition, he works as a licensed home inspector and with his father’s video production firm. In his leisure time, he enjoys gaming and participating in hurling and Gaelic football with Roc City Gaelic.

Stiles took a moment to provide further insights regarding the eSports program and himself. Responses have been slightly modified for brevity and clarity.

What advantages does eSports being a part of the athletic department offer?

“I believe being integrated into the athletic department allows the competitors in eSports to feel like they belong to the team and the college. We don’t merely occupy our own little corner; we engage in monthly meetings and are part of the Roberts Redhawks. We embody the Redhawks, donning jerseys and representing our team just like everyone else. I think this fosters community, helping students feel connected and as though they are a part of something larger than themselves.”

How does an eSports competition function?

“We primarily play online during most of the season. Then, there is a phenomenon called a LAN (local area network), where everyone gathers and competes in the same space across from each other. Throughout the season, we engage in weekly matches against other colleges. A best-of-three format is followed, allowing the team that wins two games to earn a point. You navigate through the bracket, obtaining seeding for the end-of-season tournament and playoffs.”

What do you appreciate most about sharing your passion for competitive gaming with others?

“I genuinely enjoy the concept of individuals being able to compete against those they typically wouldn’t have the chance to, as we can match up with players from Indiana, Florida, and Virginia. There’s no expense involved. We can simply log in and engage with people, connecting with individuals we wouldn’t otherwise meet through traditional sports, which tend to limit travel potential. For us, we can just activate our accounts and compete with someone from across the nation, enjoying ourselves while competing and learning.”

Do you believe that traditional sports experience benefits you in eSports, and vice versa?

“Certainly, I think eSports actually enhances my capability to engage in traditional sports more than the reverse, as a significant portion of eSports revolves around reaction time, communication, and adaptability. In the realm of gaming communication, you’ll often find interactions reduced to single syllables. This is why countless acronyms exist that seem nonsensical; everything needs to be concise and swiftly delivered. If you observe the top-tier eSports teams, their primary strength lies in communication. This is often less developed in traditional sports where players aren’t typically the best at conveying messages effectively. In many sports, it’s crucial to communicate with your team throughout the game; in eSports, continuous communication is essential, effectively training your brain to always express thoughts.”

What sparked your interest in hurling?

“I visited Ireland and witnessed it firsthand, which compelled me to start playing.”

What is the experience of competing in hurling like?

“It’s quite demanding; it’s genuinely a challenging sport. Tough in terms of frequent hits and injuries, and difficult to master, but it offers incredible rewards and enjoyment once you become skilled.”

If someone wishes to learn more about the eSports program, should they contact you?

“Absolutely, by visiting the eSports page at robertsredhawks.com, they can locate my contact details. Individuals can also reach me via email at [email protected].

Is there anything else you would like to add?

“I would be delighted for students to come and visit the eSports space. Many haven’t seen it or heard about it yet. Once the season begins, we will hold practices two to three times each week. If anyone wants to drop by during our practice sessions in Anderson Hall to grasp what we’re all about, I would be thrilled to show them. Furthermore, if anyone wishes to join after observing, that would be even better.”