Troy Esports starts season with flawless victories

After last year’s winless season, Troy’s Esports teams have hit the ground running in the right direction. 

For its 2024 season, the Overwatch 2 and Valorant teams recognized by Troy Esports could not find any success. Now, for its 2025 season, the two teams have so far swept with flawless victories.  

Nate Henderson photo

Bryce Hinnant sits at his Esports desk.

“After playing a full semester last year, we had lost every game coming into this season, so last year was tough,”  

said Coordinator of Competitive Sports and Troy Esports Coach Chas Cary after playing a full semester last year without a win. Coming into a hopeful season has him feeling relieved.  

“Last year was tough,” Cary said. “It was hard keeping the players’ heads up to make sure they are still able to play and in the right headspace. 

“After those wins, I am expecting a positive season. I am not expecting an undefeated season; I just want multiple wins from both games.  

This would be a massive improvement from last year to this year anyways.” 

Stephen Hicks, a senior math education major from Slocum, Alabama, is the in-game leader and a support player for the Overwatch 2 team. He said he feels so much more hopeful for this season. 

“Failing, as in losing games or not achieving what you need to do is OK, because you can always go back to it, look at what you did wrong, and [ask] how can I apply myself better, how can I improve from this,” Hicks said. “Failure isn’t failure; it’s just another chance to succeed from what you didn’t know.”  

Bryce Hinnant, a junior computer science major from Frisco City, Alabama, plays in the Damage Per Second (DPS) role for the Overwatch 2 team. He said he’s feeling good about the upcoming season following his team’s win.  

“My team members are some of the most dedicated players I have ever seen, with our weekly practices displaying just how far we’ve improved since our first season,” Hinnant said. “All of our team members can tell you that we are feeling fantastic about what this season has in store.” 

Cary said the team members he oversees are great people.  

“They are like a family,” Cary said. “They like to be together sometimes, but also at the same time can argue about certain things that are going on in the game. 

“We have a good chemistry between us all, and know how to get along with each other, for the most part.” 

Those interested in watching the Esports competitions can tune into their Twitch streams at twitch.tv/troyesports1.  

“We would all appreciate it if you could tune in for our livestreams and show your support for Troy University Esports,” Hinnant said. 

The next scheduled game for the Overwatch 2 team is on Sept. 29 where Troy will face TAMIU, and the Valorant team will face BLINN on Sept. 24. 

This semesters’ tryouts for the two teams are currently closed. Cary said those interested should reach out in the earliest parts of each semester. 

He said those who try out should know the teams are constantly cycling through players. He also said while someone may not make the cut for one tryout, that doesn’t mean they won’t for the next one. 

“Don’t give up if it is truly something you are passionate about,” Cary said. 

He encouraged those who may be interested in becoming a player to reach out to troycampusrec@troy.edu. 

“We are hoping for a positive year this year, and we are looking for more players in the games we are currently offering,” Cary said. “If you are interested, please feel free to reach out!”