SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Spring Arbor University Athletic Director Jason Crist has announced the selection of Micah Ottolini to be the first head coach for Esports, which was recently announced as a varsity program set to begin competition in 2024-25.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Micah to lead our new Esports program," said Crist. "In a deep pool of very qualified applicants, Micah's drive, creative nature and heart for Jesus clearly set him apart. His personal and professional qualities make him the perfect fit for the position, and I am ecstatic to add him to our staff."
 
As an undergraduate student, Ottolini started the first iteration of a League of Legends club and competitive gaming team at Olivet Nazarene University where he was a player-coach and club organizer.
 
"I enjoyed bringing people together to share a similar love for competitive gaming and community," stated Ottolini about building the program at ONU.
 
Outside of intercollegiate competition, Ottolini reached the top two percent of players in League of Legends and managed to climb to the top 1600 of players in North America in Hearthstone.
 
"My love for strategy, analyzing, and problem solving make competitive gaming exhilarating for me," added Ottolini. "I enjoy taking my background in traditional sports (a member of the Olivet Nazarene tennis and track & field teams) into the Esports realm as well, as I'm a firm believer in developing good communication skills, team synergy, and supporting one another."
 
Since college, Ottolini, a Spring Arbor area native and Western High School graduate, has worked in digital marketing as a creative director for Lyster Exteriors and videographer for Gravitivity Media.
 
"I'm blessed to have this opportunity to utilize my passions and skillsets for God. I'd like to thank Jason and the administration for giving me that opportunity," said Ottolini. "I'm stoked to bring a competitive edge to Spring Arbor's Esports scene and help my athletes reach their personal and program goals."
 
Spring Arbor's Esports team will begin with the 2024-25 academic year facing off in Rocket League, League of Legends, and Super Smash Bros.
 
Those interested in joining the Esports program at Spring Arbor can complete and submit a prospective athlete form.