2024 MiHSEF Esports Coaching Summit

Esports Coaching Sessions Information

1. Welcome and State of Michigan Esports

   • Presenter: Dakota VandenToorn (MiHSEF), Du Bui (Kent ISD)
   • Description: Kick off the summit with an overview of the current state of esports in Michigan. Dakota will provide insights into recent developments, achievements, and the future direction of high school esports in the state.

2. Panel: Round Table Q&A with Esports Experts

   • Presenters:
     • Adam Antor (Ferris State), 
     • Erin Zeims (Mason Bedford High School)
     • James “Jamesbot” Villar (Professional RLCS Caster, Head Coach Byron Center High School), 
     • Christopher Bilski (Michigan State University)
     • Connor Alne (National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors)
     • Jeanna Dawson (Fremont High School, National Association of Scholastic Esports Federations)
   • Description: Engage with a diverse panel of esports experts from both high school and collegiate levels. This interactive session allows for direct Q&A, providing valuable insights and experiences from seasoned coaches and administrators.

3. Introduction to Esports/MiHSEF Onboarding

   • Presenter: Dakota VandenToorn, MiHSEF, Marty Wetherall, LeagueOS, Connor Alne (National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors)
   • Description: Learn the basics of esports and how to get started with the Michigan High School Esports Federation. Dakota will guide you through the essentials of onboarding your school into MiHSEF and starting your own esports program.

4. Broadcasting and Shoutcasting

   • Presenter: Adam Antor (Ferris State), James “Jamesbot” Villar (Professional RLCS Caster, Head Coach Byron Center High School)
   • Description: Dive into the world of esports broadcasting and shoutcasting. Adam will cover the fundamentals of live streaming, commentary techniques, and how to engage an audience, turning matches into thrilling spectacles.

5. Multimedia / Discord 101

   • Presenters: Jono (MSU), Kreiner (GVSU)
   • Description: Explore the tools and platforms that support esports programs. This session covers multimedia production, managing a Discord server, and other digital tools essential for communication and community building.

6. State of Collegiate and Scholarships

   • Presenters: Christopher Bilski (Michigan State University)
   • Description: Discover the landscape of collegiate esports and scholarship opportunities. Learn how high school students can transition to college-level esports and the various scholarships available to support their journey.

7. How Esports and Education Collide

   • Presenters: John Phillips (NASEF), Jeanna Dawson (Fremont High School, National Association of Scholastic Esports Federations)
   • Description: Understand the integration of esports into the educational framework. John and Jeanna will discuss how esports can be used as a tool for engagement and learning, aligning with educational goals and curriculum.

8. Health and Wellbeing For Your Athletes

   • Presenter: Dr. Kay, University of Michigan Health-West
   • Description: Focus on the physical and mental health of esports athletes. This session will provide strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle, prevent injuries, and support mental well-being among your players.

9. Utilizing KDL in some capacity?

   • Presenters: Kurt Stevens (Director of Information Technology at Kent District Libraries)
   • Description: Explore how to leverage resources from Kent District Library (KDL) to support your esports program. Learn about available tools, partnerships, and educational materials that can enhance your team’s experience.

10. Building Ultimate Esports Lab, Equipment and Networking etc.

    • Presenters: Steelcase
    • Description: Get practical advice on setting up an esports lab. Jason and Charlie will cover the essential equipment, networking requirements, and best practices for creating a state-of-the-art esports facility.

11. MiHSEF Feedback/Committees and LeagueOS Portal

    • Presenter: MiHSEF Board Member, Marty Wetherall (LeagueOS)
    • Description: Participate in a session dedicated to gathering feedback and forming committees to improve the MiHSEF. Dakota will facilitate discussions on what’s working, what can be improved, and how to better support coaches and players. We will also talk to Marty from LeagueOS about LOS Portal.

12. Jobs in Esports

    • Presenters: Du Bui, John Phillips
    • Description: Learn about career opportunities in the esports industry. This session will cover various roles, from professional players to support staff, and how to guide students towards these career paths.

13. Maximizing REMC

    • Presenters: Du Bui, John Phillips
    • Description: Discover how to utilize the Regional Educational Media Center (REMC) services and resources to support your esports program. Du and Katie will explain the benefits and how to access these resources effectively.

14. Fundamentals of Coaching

    • Presenters: Connor Alne, National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors, www.naecad.org
    • Description: Delve into the core principles of coaching. This session will cover coaching techniques, building team cohesion, and strategies for motivating and developing your players.

15. Esports Team/Program Infrastructure

    • Presenters: William Wolf
    • Description: Learn from experienced coaches about setting up and managing the infrastructure of an esports team. This includes team organization, scheduling, and maintaining a positive team culture.

16. Rocket League

    • Presenter: Steve Garvey, James “Jamesbot” Villar (Professional RLCS Caster, Head Coach Byron Center High School)
    • Description: Introduction to Rocket League for beginners. Steve will cover the basics of gameplay, strategies, and tips to help new players and coaches get started with this exciting esport.

17. SSBU

    • Presenter: Cristian Perez-Ruiz
    • Description: Learn the fundamentals of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU). Cristian will guide you through the mechanics, characters, and beginner strategies to help your team excel in SSBU competitions.

18. Valorant

    • Presenter: Dakota VandenToorn
    • Description: An overview of Valorant, focusing on game mechanics, strategies, and team coordination. Dakota will provide insights into how to coach a successful Valorant team.

19. League of Legends

    • Presenter: William Wolf, Erin Zeims
    • Description: Comprehensive session on League of Legends. William will cover game fundamentals, team strategies, and how to develop your players’ skills to compete at a high level.

20. Overwatch 2

    • Presenters: Noah Antor (Davenport), Christie Hacker, Devin Jones
    • Description: Dive into Overwatch 2 with this session focusing on game mechanics, team roles, and strategies. Noah and Christie will share their expertise to help you coach and develop a competitive Overwatch 2 team.

These session descriptions are tailored to provide high school coaches with valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their esports programs.