Story and photos by Rich Carson, edited by the USC Upstate UMC Department
When Nick Matawa stepped into the role of head esports coach and program director, he saw an opportunity to build something special. The students he met were eager for new direction and guidance on how they could grow. Matawa was ready to provide both.
“Motivation only goes so far when not pointed in a direction in which you progress, evolve and develop,” he says.
Matawa brings a wealth of experience to the position. As the founder of the South Carolina Esports Education Network and executive director of South Carolina Scholastic Esports, he has followed collegiate gaming across the region for years. He wants to get Upstate competing in local tournaments and championships and participating in leagues.
He feels confident these goals can be accomplished because of the tenacity of the students involved in the program: “They’re stubborn,” he says with a smile. “These are people that believe in what they want.”
Matawa’s approach to coaching centers on structure, transparency and long-term planning. Even before his official start date, he had started developing a blueprint for the program. That includes a new constitution for the student organization, the Upstate Gaming Club; a player handbook; formalized leadership roles modeled after those in other collegiate athletic departments; and clear standards for behavior, practice, expectations and competition.
Matawa has also moved to rebuild the esports program’s competitive identity. The team has entered events in Florence, South Carolina, scrimmaged against Converse University during their senior showcase event, and launched brand activations with PUBG Mobile and OS Studios.
Matawa believes such activities are important to building the program’s reputation and to generating funding and visibility. They also give students clear goals on which to focus their energy and passion.
In the long term, Matawa envisions an esports arena with spectator seating, designated competition setups and a dedicated broadcast area. His hope is to transform the lab, located on the bottom floor of the Spartan Rec Center, into a true arena experience for both players and fans.
He also would like to implement esports-related coursework, which could eventually lead to a multi-track minor in disciplines such as broadcasting, business, IT, analytics and media production. Other plans include recruitment initiatives, community partnerships, upgraded hardware and summer camps.
He especially wants to see Upstate host the Big South Championship on campus within the next three years. The goal, he says, is to help the program not just compete but thrive.
While rebuilding a program takes time, Matawa hopes that the changes students see will reward them for the effort they’ve already put in.
“I want them to say that the hours that they spent here were not a waste,” he says. “I want them to be able to come back here as alumni and say, ‘I was a part of something special’ when it grew and transformed and became lifelong memories. I want it to be something that sticks in your heart.”
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