HIGHLIGHTS

• The Eagles won the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) 2026 Program of the Year award in July.
• Winthrop also won the Outstanding Marketing Team of the Year Award.

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Winthrop University's esports team finished its most successful year to date and was rewarded for its efforts.
The Eagles won the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) 2026 Program of the Year award in July. The award is a nod to the program's success, its national championship appearances and overall excellence across several video games. Winthrop also won the Outstanding Marketing Team of the Year Award.

The 2026 program highlights were:

*National Success: Captured national titles, including the 2026 OWCC (Overwatch Collegiate Championship) over Northwood University and the NACE Varsity Championship in Super Smash Bros.
*Conference Domination: Swept all four tournament titles at the Big South Esports Championship.
*League of Legends: Reached the 2026 College League of Legends grand finals against Maryville University.

Mikaela Sites, director of club sports, said the achievement recognized that the Winthrop group put forth an incredible season. "We are so proud of the esports program and marketing team. They continually find ways to show why we are one of the best collegiate programs in the nation, and it is incredible to see that reflected through the votes of peer institutions," Sites said. "We are excited to continue our success moving forward."

Accepting the award at the NACE event in Jacksonville, Florida, was Josh Sides, director of esports at Winthrop.

The Eagles' content team is headed by Max Prosser and includes students Kaya Singh, Bailey Wimberly and Mike DeCesare. Accepting the marketing award on behalf of the Eagles was DeCesare.

Winthrop is home to one of the fastest-growing, winningest esports programs in the country. Established in 2019, the program was one of the first varsity esports programs in Division I athletics, and has since burst onto the scene, winning two national championships within the first 18 months. The program has three total national championships.

For more information, contact Sites at [email protected].