The Indiana Esports Network Spring Finals brought together students, coaches, and program leaders from across the state for one of the largest scholastic esports competitions of the year.
Hosted at the The Arena at Innovation Mile, the event featured more than 50 teams competing across multiple titles, battling for 28 state championships in front of families, classmates, and community supporters.
For many participants, the Spring Finals represented not just a tournament, but a milestone in the continued growth of esports programs throughout Indiana.
And for IndyGG, it was an opportunity to connect directly with the people building that growth.
On the Ground: Coaches, Players, and Programs Building the Scene
Throughout the day, IndyGG spoke with leaders from universities and organizations across Indiana and the Midwest.
Despite differences in size and structure, nearly every program shared similar priorities.
Common themes from interviews included:
- Building strong student communities
- Expanding recruiting pipelines
- Offering scholarships and competitive opportunities
- Supporting academic success
- Creating long-term program stability
Many coaches emphasized that esports is no longer viewed as a temporary activity or experiment.
Instead, it is becoming an established part of campus life.
Scholarships and Recruiting Continue to Expand
One of the most consistent topics across interviews was recruitment.
Programs are actively looking for new players — and in many cases, offering financial support similar to traditional athletics.
Several schools confirmed:
- Athletic-style scholarships for esports players
- Open recruiting throughout the year
- Expanding competitive schedules
- New game titles being added each season
For students interested in esports, opportunities are growing rapidly across the state.
Facilities and Infrastructure Signal Long-Term Investment
Another major takeaway from the event was the level of investment being made in esports infrastructure.
Some programs have already built dedicated, state of the art esports arenas, while others are expanding their teams and facilities.
Examples shared during interviews included:
- High-end gaming labs and arenas
- Competitive conference participation
- Scholarship programs
- New team development
These investments reflect a shift toward treating esports as a structured, sustainable program rather than a casual activity.
Interview Highlights From Participating Programs
Indiana University East
The esports program at Indiana University East has been operating since 2021 and continues to expand its competitive presence.
The team currently competes in the Eastern Collegiate Athletics Conference and fields teams in multiple titles, including:
- Super Smash Bros.
- Overwatch
- Rocket League
- NBA 2K
Program leadership emphasized flexibility in adding new games based on student interest and conference opportunities.
Recruitment remains a priority, with the program continuing to accept new players throughout the year.
Oakland City University
Oakland City University has invested heavily in esports infrastructure, including the development of a dedicated esports arena.
The program has already achieved competitive success, including top placements within its conference.
Leadership confirmed plans to expand into additional competitive titles, including:
- Valorant
- Overwatch
- Rocket League
Scholarships are available for players at a variety of skill levels.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University continues to operate a scholarship-based esports program focused on student development and competitive growth.
The program supports players across a wide range of skill levels and emphasizes academic success alongside competition.
University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana esports organization is a student-run program that continues to build momentum.
Founded in Fall 2023, the team has already established competitive rosters and participated in national-level competition.
Unlike varsity programs, the organization operates as a club team, demonstrating the variety of esports program models in the region.
Manchester University
Manchester University is in the early stages of developing its esports program, with plans to expand facilities and team offerings in the near future.
Leadership reported strong student interest and continued investment in program development.
U.S. Army Esports
Representatives from the U.S. Army Esports program highlighted the role of competitive gaming in supporting service members.
The organization includes:
- Full-time competitive players
- Hundreds of part-time participants
For many members, esports provides:
Travel opportunities
Community engagement
Professional development
Their presence underscored the growing reach of esports beyond traditional education settings.
Why the IEN Spring Finals Matter
The Spring Finals represent more than a championship event.
They serve as a central gathering point for the Indiana esports community.
Events like this allow programs to:
Recruit students
Build partnerships
Share resources
Strengthen relationships
They also provide students with the opportunity to compete on a professional stage — often for the first time.
A Growing Community With Momentum
The energy inside the arena reflected a community that is expanding quickly.
Students competed.
Coaches strategized.
Families cheered.
And programs continued building toward the future.
For the Indiana esports ecosystem, the direction is clear:
Growth is accelerating.
And the community is organizing around it.
People and Organizations Interviewed
Andrew Britt
Head Coach
Indiana University East Esports
Caleb Hughes
Head Coach
Oakland City University Esports
Ryan Plummer
Head Esports Coach
Indiana Wesleyan University
Eric Reynolds
Founder and President
University of Southern Indiana Esports
Grant — Manchester University Esports
Representative — U.S. Army Esports
