ESC: Where do you feel that, as a coach, you can impact the developmental path of aspiring Esports players?
CC: I believe my knowledge of collegiate athletics (I played college tennis here at TU) will help the students to understand the value of teamwork and communication, which are vital for esports. We focus on teaching the students to work together, build team chemistry and team trust. All of these attributes are things we work on during the first few weeks with our own teams which is incredibly important for the long season.
ESC: Each camper’s experience at camp will be successful if?…
CC: The students will have a successful experience if they are able to leave with an understanding of the importance of working together, improved skill within the game and friendships that can be built upon as they return home. Esports allows students to communicate all across the country and as such friendships will last more than the week of our camp.
ESC: How will campers benefit from learning and interacting in a physical space at camp (with other camps) vs. the digital space that they are used to now?
CC: I believe the physical aspects of seeing people, speaking with people and having a hands on experience of actual coaching will be something most students haven’t experienced. Many students will have played games for quite a long time, but their extent of being on a team is simply playing with their friends or random individuals. Everything changes when you see these people in person.
ESC: Outside of game skill development, in what other areas do you look forward to helping campers improve?
CC: I am excited to teach them the vital importance of team communication, chemistry and trust. You cannot succeed if you are always second guessing your teammates and cannot win if you don’t communicate the information inside the game. These are all traits that students will learn at our camp.
ESC: Your biggest esports highlight thus far in your career either as a coach or player?
CC: I think my highlights are mostly personal and nothing completely merit based. I won many Halo 2 tournaments back in middle school that I think really sparked my love of esports. I am most proud of both my JV League of Legends team in year 1 and now our Overwatch team here in year 2 that have made playoffs and look to compete in the end of the year tournament.
Chalin Cahlik is the Head Esports Coach of Tiffin University and the Director for the Esports Camp at Tiffin University July 22–26, 2019.
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