ECAC ESPORTS ANNOUNCES PLAYER AND ROOKIE OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

ECAC Esports is proud to recognize 21 students from 17 different colleges and universities for their outstanding efforts during the month of November.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Player of the Month - Rosalyn "Rosalynhearts" G., Indiana University East

Rosalyn has been an exceptional team captain this year. She led the team into the semi-finals, the farthest IU East's Smash team has ever gone in the 4 years of esports competition. In the last series of the regular season, after a struggle in matches 1 and 2, Rosalyn locked in and managed to individually wipe out the entire enemy team. She was a one-woman Inkling army. She had never heard the level of cheers and excitement coming through the walls of the arena that she heard at the end of each round. It was the culmination of Rosalyn's 4 years of training and practice, and possibly the proudest her team had ever seen her about her own performance in a game.

Apex Legends Player of the Month - Aryan "RENdragon3" Patra, Purdue University West Lafayette

Aryan demonstrated excellent leadership as the captain and IGL of Purdue University's Apex Legends team. They led the team to a 4th place finish in ECAC's Apex Legends league while maintaining excellent academic performance. In game, they are consistently one of the top players in the lobby but show humility and encourage and uplift team morale.

Apex Legends Rookie of the Month - Eli "Icy" Maples, Catawba College

In their first semester at Catawba College, Eli played for both the VALORANT and Apex Legends teams. Eli quickly adapted to playing Apex Legends full-time, without doing so prior, and helped the team reach a top 6 finish nationally.

Rainbow Six Siege Player of the Month - Josue "Luck" Rosario, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Josue "Luck" Rosario has been undeniably the most consistent player for the Bloodhounds this season. Luck has had double-digit eliminations in 10 of the last 12 maps overall, has had double-digit eliminations in every map played in November, and has led the Bloodhounds in eliminations in November with 57 eliminations over the Bloodhounds 2 games this month. Luck has been a phenomenal part of the Bloodhound's undefeated season so far.

Rainbow Six Siege Rookie of the Month - Eleanor "Eli" Mihelson, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Eleanor "Eli" Mihelson has been an IGL for the Bloodhounds this season, leading the way in game planning and strategy. In November across the Bloodhound's 2 Games played, Eli has led the Bloodhounds in-game score in 3 out of 5 maps played, including leading the Bloodhounds in eliminations in 2 out of 3 maps in the B Division Semi-Finals. Eli has made a great contribution to the Bloodhounds roster and will be a key to success in the upcoming Finals. Eli is a first-term collegiate esports player and has impressed everyone with her knowledge of the game and skill.

Teamfight Tactics Player of the Month - Jun Ye "Snowflake" Li, Seneca Polytechnic

"Snowflake" has performed exceptionally throughout the ECAC Teamfight Tactics Fall 2024 season with consistent first-place finishes in the regular season. He ended the regular season with 105 points, the most earned in the entire ECAC TFT regular season across all divisions this fall.

Teamfight Tactics Rookie of the Month - Jason "BC MechaCat" Inoa, Brooklyn College

Jason, AKA MechaCat, joined the program just this semester as a TFT player and Overwatch 2 substitute. Splitting time between both games and still performing well in school, MechaCat managed to have a homerun end to the TFT season. Entering the ECAC Division B playoffs as the 15th seed with 51 points, the odds of him finishing with a placement were low. However, MechaCat dedicated himself to TFT during playoffs and was able to secure the Fall 2024 ECAC Division B championship, outright winning 3 of 5 final rounds.

VALORANT Player of the Month - Joe "Ephors" Cherichello, Gallaudet University

He is our core and key player in the success of the Gallaudet Bison VALORANT team. He is the team's IGL despite the fact the team is unable to hear or comm using mic. Joe brought the team together. He sacrifices a lot of time and helps teammates to their best abilities. Joe often sat in the middle of 5 computers and used Sign Language to make calls mid-game. Joe brought Gallaudet University VALORNAT Buff to playoffs and is looking to compete in the semi-finals in a game where audio is very crucial.

VALORANT Rookie of the Month - Osiel "Zenith" Chavez-Hernandez, Wichita State University

Osiel joined the program this year, and instantly became the IGL, leading the WSU Valorant JV team to a guaranteed top 4 finish in ECAC Division B and a promotion. A historic finish for both teams in program history! He also excels in the classroom and is a cornerstone developing player for the program overall.

Street Fighter 6 Rookie of the Month - "Wickelex", Herkimer College

In Herkimer College's first season competing in ECAC, "Wickelex" qualified for the Street Fighter 6 playoffs from a community college. Wickelex took home a strong top 20 finish, ending the regular season with a 5-2 overall record and a points differential of +9.

Rocket League Player of the Month - Carter "Crater-" Mayhew, Catawba College

In their first semester leading a new team, Catawba College's Rocket League team qualified for playoffs and Carter has consistently been a top scorer for the team. They have been an outstanding member the the esports program and the campus community, always being ready to serve and volunteer.

Rocket League Rookie of the Month - Jesse "awareregent" Larralde, St. Mary's University

Jesse has been a fundamental leader on the St. Mary's Esports Rocket League team. He has gone above and beyond to develop strategies for his team, strengthen the teamwork dynamic, and give his all during practices and matches. Additionally, Jesse has led the team to a playoff qualification and a quarterfinal win.

Overwatch 2 Player of the Month - Conor "Melania#11835" Goyette, Providence College

In Conor's eighth season playing competitive overwatch, he has achieved his personal competitive peak. Conor is instrumental in carrying his 7-0 team to playoffs and through the first round. Conor's competitive career shifted when he switched to an uncomfortable role in his junior year of play but has surpassed previous peaks with hard work and his coachability. Conor's consistent energy and positive attitude have shown through this month with game-winning plays and communication. Conor uses his experience to organize and execute with his teammates and is the glue that holds the team together. Without him, the identity of the team would be unrecognizable and his personal skill and impact are impossible to miss in every game.

Overwatch 2 Rookie of the Month - Tamia "Miyavi1203" Weston, Bryant & Stratton College - Albany

Tamia "Miyavi" Weston is the vice-captain for the school's Overwatch 2 team. OW2 is probably one of the most technically difficult games to master being played in the intercollegiate leagues today. One of the best remedies for a situation that can quickly evolve into a huge mess is the ability to stay organized under pressure. Miyavi embodies this character trait. She shows up to practice ready to take the best notes, and then share her understanding with others. The OW2 team was presented with a challenge to find a VOD review that pertained to their preferred hero and playstyle. Miyavi volunteered to present hers first, even as a newcomer to the Esports Team. This is a shining example that she does not shy away from challenges that would make others feel uneasy. Currently, she is working on a collaborative sign for the Team's Gaming Den, "Leave Your Ego At The Door." Ego can only get you so far in a healthy way, and her ability to recognize that has aided her team numerous times with the emotional pressures that esports can cause.

Fortnite Player of the Month - James "YTZombieSlayer" McCoy, Alfred State College

James AKA "YTZombieSlayer" has shown exceptional performance and dedication on and off the field. They have consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills, motivating their teammates through challenging games and showing resilience under pressure.

Fortnite Rookie of the Month - Rachel "VioletAnn894" Hussmann, Stockton University

Rachel "VioletAnn894" Hussmann has been a crucial and skilled part of Stockton's Zero Build Community. She, along with her teammates, qualified for the ECAC Zero Build Finals in her first semester competing only four months after returning to the game from a multi-year break. Rachel has used her tactical knowledge and leadership skills to push her team further than they ever expected. In the fourth week of ECAC Zero Build Trios Rachel and her teammates were able to gain a total of 23 kills against other collegiate competitors. Her synergy with her team and her ability to accurately communicate and assess dangerous situations earned her team the 2nd place spot in their lobby that week, qualifying them for the finals. Rachel has exemplified the characteristics of a skilled competitor who knows how to use her brain to outsmart opponents and earn a victory.

Hearthstone Rookie of the Month - Ely "Unrefined Kaos" Rodriguez, McMurry University

Ely came to McMurry Esports at the end of last school year, coming off of a rocky season, being handed tough losses all year. This did not seem to phase Ely, and in fact, he was excited to compete. Once the season started this semester he got to work and grinded out Apprentice rank and got familiar with the game quickly. He ended the ECAC Fall 2024 regular season with a 4-3 record, just shy of making playoffs which is phenomenal considering the rough year the year prior. Ely has shown patience, tenacity, and quick thinking when it comes to Hearthstone.

League of Legends Player of the Month - Zachary "Verszia" Combs, Florida Atlantic University

Zachary AKA "Verszia" has done amazing work re-igniting interest in League of Legends at Florida Atlantic University. They have shown time and time again that they are the team's Most Valuable Player, stepping up as team manager and leading the squad in-game.

League of Legends Rookie of the Month - Ayrton "ayz1" Chaney, Purdue University West Lafayette

Ayrton AKA "ayz1" stepped into a Varsity role as a rookie and helped lead Purdue University's League of Legends team to the Fall 2024 ECAC Finals in their first competitive season. They have demonstrated good sportsmanship and show a bright future for their next years as a Purdue student.

Call of Duty Player of the Month - Ibrahim "IbraKing03" Kajtazi, Bryant & Stratton College - Albany

Ibrahim "IbraKing" Kajtazi served as the vice-captain for the school's Call of Duty team this season. His continued dedication to his craft secured a decent launching point for post-season work. His Call of Duty team was presented with a challenge, and that was to locate as many "hidey-holes" as possible to better understand Search & Destroy map ambush points. He briefed this very well to his team and won the challenge. Currently, IbraKing is working on counter-ambush maneuvers and complex ambush routes. In-game, not many can stand up to his "run and gun" rampaging methodology, he's clutched enough 1:3 odds to secure his name among the legends.

Call of Duty Rookie of the Month - Nathan "Corked" Bautista, Nichols College

Nathan AKA "Corked" has Shown major improvement throughout the month of November. Finishing with a strong 1.7 Kill to Death Ratio throughout the ECAC Fall 2024 Call of Duty: MWIII season, they have solidified themselves as a strong competitor for Nichols College. In addition to strong gameplay, they are also a dual sport athlete for Nichols College, competing in both Esports and Baseball for the school.