MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (January 19, 2024) – St. Thomas University embarks on an exciting new chapter in its eSports program with the appointment of Craig Skilling as the new Head Coach and Director of eSports. Professor Skilling brings a dynamic blend of expertise in athlete player development and event production, setting the stage for a vibrant and inclusive gaming community at the university.
 
Craig "Pro Skills" Skilling's eSports journey commenced during his college years. Beginning his career in the sports and entertainment industry with the NBA, Skilling held pivotal roles in player programs and basketball operations for both the NBA and the Miami Heat. Even during his college tenure, Skilling demonstrated a commitment to the gaming world by spearheading Madden and NCAA College Football student tournaments.
 
In 2017, as lead faculty over the Johnson & Wales University Sports, Entertainment, and Event program, Skilling foresaw the digital shift in higher education. He immersed himself in collegiate eSports, contributing to curriculum development, advising student clubs, and organizing eSports industry events, including training Miami Dolphins rookie athletes in eSports opportunities through the NFL Business Combine followed by coordinating Miami's Ultimate Gamer tournament event.
 
The turning point came with the onset of the pandemic, leading Skilling to establish the eSports Skills Academy. This initiative aimed at providing access, education, physical and mental wellness training for students and athletes ages 7-17 on responsible gaming practices and the plethora of opportunities within the eSports industry. Skilling emerged as a sought after consultant, providing guidance to educational institutions, tourism boards and government officials on eSports program development.
 
A notable achievement in Skilling's career was the establishment of the first LAN center and eSports program at the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in south Florida. Internationally, Skilling serves on the advisory board for the Barbados eSports Initiative, the Panama E-Fest showcasing a commitment to global eSports growth.
 
As Craig "Pro Skills" Skilling takes the reins at Saint Thomas University, he is poised to instill a culture of inclusivity through the development of the new Bobcats eSports Club and the existing STU eSports Varsity collegiate team while revamping current spaces throughout the campus. As an academician Pro Skills has a holistic academic plan to prepare eSports athletes and casual gamers as future industry leaders through STU's new interdisciplinary eSports specialization. With a competitive spirit, Skilling envisions leading the Bobcats to a future eSports Sun Conference championship along with success in other open tournament league titles, marking a significant chapter in the university's eSports journey.
 
When asked about the new role for Skilling, here's what Athletic Director Bill Rychel had to say. "We are excited for Craig to take over our eSports program.  He has done a great job at a few different Universities, and has implemented many of the eSports aspects into our Sports Administration curriculum.  It is a natural fit for him to oversee eSports, and continue to build this opportunity for our current and future students."
 
Saint Thomas University is thrilled to welcome Craig "Pro Skills" Skilling and looks forward to a promising future under his leadership in collegiate eSports.