Paul Capoccia named director of new esports program at Marywood University in Scranton
From a press release:
Paul Capoccia was recently named the director of esports at Marywood University in Scranton, a new program that was first announced in November.
One of a select number of colleges and universities across the nation to offer a competitive esports program, Marywood is responding to the ever-increasing number of students seeking this option as the esports industry continues to explode throughout the country, including locally at Lackawanna College in Scranton and Misericordia University in Dallas.
As Marywood’s director of esports, Capoccia is responsible for launching and growing a competitive and exciting program. Planning to introduce three initial games, including “Overwatch,” “League of Legends,” and “Rocket League,” he is also looking to add sports simulation games and other single-player titles if room allows.
Giving students a better experience is at the heart of introducing esports at Marywood.
“Giving students a better overall experience through cutting-edge technology, while also continuing to grow our campus in innovative ways, is the optimal goal. Esports is a great opportunity for students who want to compete, as well as for students who are interested in participating in other capacities, including communications and art. It’s interdisciplinary in so many different ways,” Capoccia said.
A Marywood graduate, Capoccia made his first step into esports while he was a student at the university. Through a business plan competition, he developed a plan for esports, marketed the plan, and presented it to an audience of business peers. From that point, he never lost his love of esports, and he used the competition as a learning experience.
He explained that the esports program will be housed in the athletics department at Marywood University and will be treated as an athletic team that is eligible for all the benefits of other traditional sports, including conferences, nutritionists, athletic trainers, team apparel, etc. Additionally, he will develop summer camps/conference experiences to assist with developing a healthy community of athletes.
“The health and well-being of student esports athletes is as important as any other physical sport player,” he emphasized.
Floor plans for the facility in hand, Capoccia and a team of university experts are working with a consulting firm to blend function and practicality into an exciting state-of-the-art gaming center.
“We want function at its highest level first and to establish a good culture in which students can interact and be supported. Visiting students and those competing will have a powerful experience. I’m excited for students to see the facility,” he said.
He understands that the sport of gaming is community-oriented, and the esports community will be identical to other athletic teams with a strong team environment and atmosphere. Teammates will work and socialize together on other projects in gaming, including other competitions and charity marathons – whatever Marywood students are passionate about.
Realizing that any coach or director who expects their student athletes to perform must be experienced in the field, Capoccia has been fortunate to have worked in esports long and hard enough to have tried nearly everything in the esports field, including functioning as a player, coach, administrator, manager, tournament organizer, caster, producer, observer, social media/marketing director, event lead, collegiate consultant, content creator, curriculum creator and coordinator, and more.
Patrick Murphy, director of athletics at Marywood University, said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome home Paul Capoccia as our esports director at Marywood University. Paul’s experience, knowledge, regional contacts, and his passion and love for Marywood University make him the perfect fit for this position. Our esports program will be able to draw new and unique students, compete nationally, generate diverse revenue streams, and prepare our student-athletes for careers in the esports industry because Mr. Capoccia understands how it’s done well, by knowing the industry inside and out.”
Capoccia started with a bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in mathematics at Marywood; he then earned his master of arts degree in communication arts with a concentration in media management. Additionally, he is a current student of the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors.
His association with the university goes back to his childhood. He grew up swimming in the facility that is now the Center for Architectural Studies, and he attended outdoor summer concerts on campus before he could walk.
“I knew where I wanted to go to college – it was never a question that I would attend Marywood, as it has always been home,” Capoccia said. “I’m now excited for the opportunity to come home.”
Marywood University (2300 Adams Ave., Scranton) prepares students to have a positive impact on society at regional and global levels while providing each student with the foundation for success in an interdependent world. Founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the university serves men and women from a variety of backgrounds and religions.
The university enrolls more than 3,000 students in an array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Committed to enriching human lives, Marywood provides a framework for educational excellence that enables students to develop fully as persons and to master professional and leadership skills necessary for meeting human needs.
