The Lindenwood Esports program has qualified for varsity status within the Tespa Collegiate Varsity Network.  The organization is offering two premier competitions this fall, the Overwatch Collegiate Varsity Series and the Hearthstone Varsity Division Championship.

Acceptance by Tespa means that the Lions will be able to play other varsity status programs across the country with more opportunities overall.  Maddie Talley, the captain of the Lindenwood Overwatch team, summed up the benefits of the Tesla recognition.

"Tespa is pretty much the leading organization for competitive (Esports) leagues," she said.  "They have had over 40,000 students representing over 1,350 schools participate in their tournaments over the past decade and have awarded over $3.3 million worth of scholarships.  To be a part of their program is huge for us."

Tespa is network of students, competitors, and club leaders with a belief that gaming should be celebrated by people of all ages, recognized as a force for good, and a catalyst for bringing people together.  It's the largest operator of collegiate Esports leagues in the country.  For more information, visit the organization's website at tespa.org.