MAJOR AWARDS FOR THE FALL 2024 SEASON

ECAC Esports is proud to celebrate the incredible students and staff who made the Fall 2024 season unforgettable. Our Seasonal Major Awards honor exceptional achievements, including awards for an outstanding Director, Coach, Most Improved Player in Honor of Berend High, and Staff Member of the Season. Additionally, we recognized the academic success of 224 students through the ECAC All-Academic list, available here. Congratulations to all of this season's winners!

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!file.png ## Director of the Season- Jose Rodriguez, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Jose Rodriguez, also known as “Franny” by many, has been an exceptional leader for the esports program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, NY. His students describe him as a leader who demonstrates unparalleled dedication and passion. Despite internal challenges, he has grown John Jay’s esports program to over 75 competitive players, taking six teams to the post-season, and winning two championships this fall.

Jose’s impact is felt at every level—he organizes scrimmages, VOD reviews, and coaching sessions, ensuring he is always present to support his teams on game days, often sacrificing his own time and resources to ensure the program’s success. His leadership is marked by genuine care for his players, motivating them to excel in competition and academics. His students mark his support as pivotal in their growth at John Jay, and greatly emphasize the individualized time and care he dedicates to support his students. Whether advocating for his teams, celebrating their victories, or providing mentorship, Jose has raised the standard at John Jay.

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!file (1).png ## Coach of the Season- William Saulon, Nassau Community College Referred to as Coach Will by his students, he has proven to be a strong leader at Nassau Community College Esports. Defined by his adaptability, consistency, and talent for curating game-winning strategies, Coach Will has been a key player in the program's success. In their first season competing in ECAC, Coach Will led Nassau’s VALORANT team to a flawless regular season, bringing home the championship gold.

Coach Will’s commitment extends beyond gameplay. Prioritizing teamwork, individual development, and mental well-being, his students emphasize his passion and dedication to growth at a personal and program level. Whether conducting in-depth VOD reviews, setting up scrimmages, or giving feedback at practice, Coach Will is always present and supportive, even when coaching remotely. Players credit him for their improved mindset, in-game knowledge, and rapid progression climbing the ever-dreaded ranked ladder. Coach Will’s scouting, preparation, and passion for the game have elevated the Nassau Community College esports program, leaving lasting impacts on his players’ collegiate experiences.

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!file (2).png ## Most Improved Player of the Season in Honor of Berend High- Jaxon Troast, Elmira College Jaxon Troast is a sophomore student-athlete at Elmira College in Elmira, NY. He double majors in environmental science and mathematics, and is a full-time player on Elmira’s esports team. In the Fall 2024 season, Jaxon competed on the school’s VALORANT and Overwatch 2 teams.

Since joining the team, Jaxon has dedicated countless hours to honing his skills. He has shown tremendous growth, improving each week throughout the season. Originally starting as a substitute player, he showed great potential, solidifying a full-time starting role by the end of the season. His dedication has allowed him to surpass some of the program’s veteran players, and his contributions have become integral to Elmira’s success this season.

Beyond his increasingly impressive in-game skills, Jaxon has also been described as an enthusiastic and engaged team member. His consistent presence at all team events, meetings, and training sessions has fostered a positive team culture at Elmira College. Moreover, Jaxon’s commitment to growth is reflected in his proactive approach— regularly asking coaches for feedback and seeking ways to improve the team and program.

Jaxon’s coaches are excited to continue witnessing Jaxon’s progress in competition as a member of Elmira College’s esports teams. His drive, dedication, and positive attitude have made him an invaluable part of Elmira College Esports.

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!file (3).png ## Outstanding ECAC Staff Member of the Season- Jackson Heil, Competition Intern (Fortnite) Jackson “GingerNation” has been a cornerstone of the ECAC Esports team, earning recognition as Staff of the Season through his outstanding contributions. As one of the Fortnite game leads, he ran weekly lobbies with precision, ensuring lobby codes were delivered promptly and resolving any issues with efficiency. His commitment to the player experience was evident through his patient and clear communication, especially during delays, and his ability to keep everyone informed and organized. Beyond this, Jackson worked tirelessly to make Fortnite a better experience for everyone, from scoring matches to tackling unexpected challenges with creative solutions. His approachable and friendly nature, coupled with his leadership qualities, has made him a go-to problem-solver and a key figure in ECAC operations.

In addition to his exceptional work with ECAC, Jackson has demonstrated immense dedication to the broader Fortnite community. Through his role at Stockton University, he organized consistent and well-thought-out events that engaged players from across the country. His passion for fostering community and engagement shone through in his careful planning and receptiveness to feedback. Whether hosting community events, broadcasting on Twitch, or competing alongside other players, Jackson has exemplified what it means to be a leader both in and out of the game. His dedication, communication skills, and relentless work ethic make him truly deserving of the Outstanding ECAC Staff of the Season award.

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Player of the Season- Daniel “Ultimatetyson3” Porter, University at Albany

Daniel has shown a passion for growth as a player and a leader throughout the season. Taking on a new role as Head Captain of the University at Albany’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team, Daniel helped coordinate practices and scrimmages for both of UA’s teams. He always searches to improve, consistently practicing, asking for feedback, and reviewing his gameplay. He does so while helping his team grow, bringing a positive attitude, and creating a welcoming environment.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Rookie of the Season- William “SHDW” Castillo, Post University

SHDW joined Post University’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team this season, taking on his first year of college and first year of competitive SSBU. He took both challenges in stride and constantly aimed to improve and expand his team. His enthusiasm is contagious, encouraging his teammates to hone their craft. SHDW finished with a strong 26 stocks on the season, the most among Post University’s rookie players.

EA FC Player of the Season- Ugo “Yourauntyy “ Madu, St. Clair College

Madu has excelled academically, maintaining over a 3.5 GPA while balancing their first season competing in ECAC Esports. In addition to their studies and competition, they contribute to a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping children in need.

Rainbow Six Siege Player of the Season- Josue “Luck” Rosario, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Josue "Luck" Rosario has been the undisputable MVP of the John Jay R6S Bloodhounds, helping the team capture their first ECAC Championship in program history. Luck has shown adaptability, transitioning from the JV to the Varsity team as a substitute in the early season. Luck was asked to substitute, turning the tides in a losing series. He led with 10 eliminations in games two and three respectively, securing the series win for John Jay. Luck was a vocal leader with a team he had never played with before and showed his knowledge of the game. His performance impressed the roster, solidifying his spot as a starting player for the remainder of the season. Luck would continue to post double-digit eliminations in 15 of the 18 maps the team played throughout the rest of the season. Luck honed his skills for the postseason, posting 25, 42, and then 73 total eliminations through each round of playoffs. His hard work paid off, bringing the team to secure the ECAC Fall 2024 Rainbow Six Siege Championship.

Teamfight Tactics Rookie of the Season- Becca “neon_toxin” Schuler, Post University

Neon joined the school, TFT team, and League of Legends team in her first semester and became captain of both teams. She quickly showed she was up to the task, as she finished the season with 59 points and six top 4 finishes, setting the bar for future Post University TFT players.

VALORANT Player of the Season- Joseph “sep#naz” Belala, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Joseph has been an extraordinary player all season. Aside from constantly showing up and performing, he has been an amazing support system for the rest of UNCC’s team. He has balanced school, work, and practice with his teammates throughout the season. His hard work paid off, as he secured an ace in the Grand Finals, bringing home the ECAC Fall 2024 Division B VALORANT Championship win for UNCC. From the beginning of the season until the end, Joseph continued to be the star duelist that the team needed.

VALORANT Rookie of the Season- Seong-Jin “Pyro” Bartoldus, University at Albany

Seong-Jin, or SJ by his teammates, took on a leadership role as VALORANT team captain in his freshman year. In this role, he helped his team adapt and learn from each match, showing constant improvement week after week. He brought a great personality to the team, fostering a warm environment for all members. SJ led his team to secure big seasonal wins while creating a welcoming space for new and returning players.

NBA 2K Rookie of the Season- Noah “Noahjw” Wenig, SUNY New Paltz

In his rookie season, Noah has been a strong member of the SUNY New Paltz esports program. He has been persistent and reliable, never missing a match in two competitive leagues. His communication, empathy, and growth have flourished this season. He showed his good character, being patient and kind to all competitors, fostering a contagious sense of positivity in the collegiate esports scene.

Street Fighter 6 Rookie of the Season- Joshua “Mr.Buster” Pressano, University at Albany

As a freshman at the University at Albany, Joshua has shown great performance throughout the semester and a desire to grow as a player in the collegiate scene. In his first year competing at the collegiate level, Joshua matched his peers, proving his strength by qualifying and progressing in the post-season. He has shown adaptability, learning new fighters and matchups to maximize his performance. Outside of his in-game skills, he is a present member of the University at Albany’s Esports program, always willing to assist his peers in anything from navigating the esports arena to teaching a variety of fighting games. Joshua has been a major contributor to fostering a strong esports community at the University at Albany.

Rocket League Player of the Season- Tyler “ImCamBoy” Proulx, Husson University

While balancing the craziness of a doctoral program, Tyler also found time to bring home the Fall 2024 ECAC Division D Rocket League Championship. He did so in an entertaining fashion, flying out of seemingly nowhere to score a goal. What would later become his signature move, Tyler continued this streak, helping Husson take lead after lead, all the way to the Grand Finals. Outside his incredible gameplay, Tyler is also a valuable member of Husson’s Esports program. He has been a role model, recruiting his friends to join the team, helping on the casting desk, and motivating others to do the same. His commitment has helped the program grow and added new hardware to the trophy collection.

Rocket League Rookie of the Season- Robby “Suspect” Lay, Huntingdon College

Rob joined Huntingdon College’s esports program ranked at Champion II. Motivated to succeed, he reached Grand Champion II in just two weeks. Despite a tough few months, Rob has shown resiliency, gathering the strength to show up each week and be the positive force the team needed. Despite having every reason to give up, he rose to the competition, doing everything in his power to keep in-game communication flowing, and maintaining high team morale. Rob’s constant positivity, dedication, and stellar leadership have solidified him as an invaluable member of Huntingdon College’s Rocket League team.

Overwatch 2 Player of the Season- Jeffrey “Jitui” Chen, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Jeffrey "Jitui" Chen dominated the ECAC Overwatch 2 Division F as a DPS Starter for John Jay’s OW2 Gavels. This semester was Jitui's first playing on a competitive Overwatch team, and his performance did not disappoint. Jitui continually dominated with his Reaper, Bastion, and Soldier play, frequently posting 25+ elimination games throughout the regular season. Jitui continued the momentum in the post-season, leading his team to the Grand Finals. As a relatively quiet student, Jitui shined, being very active in communication, helping the team strategize team comps, and coordinating big plays. He encouraged his team to work together to make game-winning plays, taking home the ECAC Division F Championship in a dominant 4-0 series. While the playoffs were a team effort, Jitui's performance throughout the season is undoubtedly the biggest part of the team’s success.

Overwatch 2 Rookie of the Season- Victoria “Hydrogen” Wright, Elmira College

As a recent transfer student, Victoria seamlessly integrated into an already established team. She confidently stepped into the crucial tank role, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership. Her outstanding performance in the later weeks of competition — highlighted by an extraordinary 39-0 match — underscores her remarkable abilities. Joining a new team is always a challenge, especially when tasked with such a pivotal position, but Victoria's composure and talent allowed her to not only meet but exceed expectations. She has proven herself an indispensable member of Elmira College’s Overwatch 2 team, playing a key role in their flawless 7-0 regular season record.

Fortnite Player of the Season- Liam “Adonaifnr” Almond, Endicott College

From the moment Liam arrived on campus in September as a freshman, he has been an absolute force. With his other-worldly building prowess, Liam was tasked with leading Endicott’s Fortnite Duos and Trios squads. He served as a hybrid coach and player and dominated in both aspects. As a coach, he spent countless hours preparing VOD reviews and individualized strategies for each player. His hard work paid off, as the team showed constant improvement each week. As the in-game leader for Endicott’s Fortnite Duos and Trios squads, he accounted for 80% of the team's eliminations and damage. Liam has brought the Endicott esports ecosystem to life and will become the President of the Esports Management Club this Spring. His dedication and strong work ethic has solidified him as an invaluable member of Endicott College Esports.

Fortnite Rookie of the Season- Taylor “Taylur” Marshall, Alice Lloyd College

In his first semester, Taylor served as the squad’s in-game leader, leading his team to a 4th place finish in the ECAC Fall 2024 Fortnite Trios Finals. Taylor’s adaptability is incredible, both in-game and out. Outside of esports, his success in academics, athletics, and community service proves that he can wear many hats. His perseverance and high-level performance are skills that translate seamlessly to his gameplay on the virtual battlefield. Whether he is captaining academic teams, dominating chess matches, or leading his peers on the tennis court, Taylor consistently rises to challenges, motivates those around him, and remains composed in any situation, regardless of the stakes. Beyond his competitive spirit, Taylor’s character truly sets him apart. He is a role model who consistently prioritizes others, dedicating countless hours to mission work, community service, and supporting his teammates in every endeavor. From building homes in Guatemala to providing flood relief, and uplifting his peers on and off the field, Taylor embodies the spirit of a true leader—one who inspires, encourages, and elevates those around him.

Madden NFL Rookie of the Season- Daekwon “SAU Breezy” Ferrell, St. Andrews University

In his freshman year, Daekwon has seen great success academically and athletically. Daekwon qualified for the ECAC Madden NFL postseason after a 5-2 season record and achieved a 3.6 GPA to begin his college career. Beyond competing, he manages his own Madden NFL competition and serves on the St. Andrews Esports Workout Committee, leading team workouts. Moreover, Daekwon is also actively engaged in the St. Andrews community, volunteering at local events and bettering the overall community. His dedication, leadership, and professionalism continue to make a significant impact on St. Andrews University Esports and in the wider community.

MLB The Show Player of the Season- Jake “JakeBaumann” Baumann, Post University

Jake was part of the inaugural MLB: The Show competition season and showed up in a big way earning 2nd place out of 32 players and setting an incredible +104 run differential single season record in his first season. Although he ended up losing to Gage in the Finals, he dug deep and took the series all the way to game 5 and had a walk-off home run to win game 4 in the bottom of the 9th.