Jaguars Esports Coed Program Set For 2025-26 - New ESports "Arena" In the ARC - Ready For Opener - First-Ever Competition September 10, 7 PM
Jaguars Esports Coed Program Set For 2025-26 - New ESports "Arena" In the ARC - Ready For Opener - First-Ever Competition September 10, 7 PM
Original Release Date: July 8, 2024
Jaguars Esports Coed Program Set For 2025-26 - First Season For Kareem Badr Head Esports Coach - New "Arena" Completed Construction This Summer In the GovState - ARC -
Governors State University Athletic Director Tony Bates announced last year the Jaguars Athletic Department will be adding the Coed Esports program in the 2024-25 school year. GSU will be competing with the NAIA national power Esports programs in the CCAC Conference.
"This is exciting for Jaguars Athletics and growing our family with the new Esports coed team. We look for great things for the Esports Jaguars and to be part of the already established Esports programs in the NAIA and the CCAC will be a challenge for Coach Badr and the team," said Bates.
Bates also named Kareem Badr as the Head Esports Coach, effective July 1, 2024. "We had a lot of qualified Head Esports Coaches that we spoke with. Coach Kareem is ready and excited about starting our new Esports program. He is out on the recruiting trail finding high level Student-Athletes," Bates said.
"The Governors State University Esports Arena is the heart of our competitive gaming program and a hub for student engagement. Our facility features both a competitive room and a practice room, giving our players the space to train and compete in titles like VALORANT, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. We currently support multiple teams across the NECC, ECAC, NACE, and CFGC, with plans to continue expanding our roster as student interest grows."
"What makes our arena special is that it isn't just about high-performance PCs and top-tier competition—it's a community space. Our upcoming 'Echoes of Greatness' initiative will fill the arena with our program's history, achievements, and player highlights, creating an environment that inspires every student who walks through our doors. This arena represents the growth of esports at GSU and our commitment to building a competitive yet inclusive program," said Coach Badr.
KAREEM BADR BIO - GSU Head Esports Coach 2024-25
Originally from Florida and of Jamaican/Egyptian Arab descent, Kareem brings a diverse background to Esports.
