The following student success highlight is a feature story in the College of Engineering’s 2025 Spotlight.
In the high-tech, LED-lit arena nestled in the heart of downtown Boise, Boise State University’s varsity Esports team is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete.
For two College of Engineering (COEN) students, Gabriel Reynolds and Wyatt Morrison, it’s where high-stakes competition meets high-impact education.Reynolds, a computer science major known in-game as “Gil,” is a top competitor on Boise State’s Rocket League team who’s found himself as a four-time Mountain West champion, two-time National Championship winner, and Collegiate Rocket League World Championships contender. Morrison, an electrical engineering major who plays Valorant under the handle “Master,” is also a Mountain West champion who brings precision and tactical thinking to every match.
Both are thriving in the classroom and in competition, representing a growing number of engineering students who are proving excellence comes in the classroom and on the leaderboard.
Turf That Transforms
For the last eight years, Boise State has been setting the national standard for collegiate gaming. Players have been earning more than wins and rankings, they’re graduating champions and leaders. This appeal is what drew Reynolds and Morrison to the program.
With cutting-edge computers, production-quality broadcast equipment, and high-performance seating, the facility supports student success on every level. It’s a physical and digital arena where creativity, strategy, and technical expertise intersect.
“As a computer science major, being around this much tech every day keeps me inspired and sharp,” Reynolds said. “I grew up watching Boise State football and winning Mountain West championships so getting to be a part of that myself is pretty cool.”
For Morrison, the crossover between engineering and esports is crystal clear. “Valorant is all about quick decision-making, teamwork, and communication—just like working on a circuit design or project team,” he said.
Thinking Like An Engineer, Competing Like A Pro
With a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, iterative design, and systems-level problem solving, students in COEN learn how to break down complex problems and build smart solutions, skills that translate seamlessly into competitive gaming.
In 2024, nearly a quarter of all varsity players hailed from COEN, demonstrating a strong link between analytical disciplines and strategic gameplay.
Reynolds, who graduated this spring, has tackled everything from advanced data structures to artificial intelligence coding projects. His experience working on a 40+ hour B-Tree assignment in a data structures course prepared him for the level of precision and endurance required in both software engineering and esports.
“Esports has helped my academic success because the program has always prioritized our academic success,” Reynolds said. “Being an esports player it’s basically a full-time job, so being able to translate that to projects or preparing for internships and careers, it always translates into my discipline.”
Morrison’s academic focus in microelectronics and semiconductor design gives him a deep appreciation for the hardware that powers his gaming. “I chose my major because I had an interest in electronic circuits,” Morrison said. “It’s wild to think about how every component in our computers works together at a microscopic level to make these games possible.”
Both students credit the college’s faculty and facilities for helping them excel. From labs that simulate real-world systems to research opportunities that stretch their imagination, Reynolds and Morrison are building the kind of technical expertise that sets Boise State engineers apart.
Engineering A Winning Mindset
At Boise State, academic excellence isn’t optional, it’s expected. The esports program is no exception. To be inducted into the Boise State Esports Hall of Fame, students must not only perform on the digital battlefield, but they must also complete their degree.
So far, more than 45 varsity players, student staff, and club team members have earned degrees through the program. The program’s emphasis on academic accountability and leadership development has earned national attention. Boise State’s varsity teams have racked up over 1,500 match victories, produced more than 2,000 live broadcasts, and secured four national titles—making the program a powerhouse in the collegiate esports space.
“I’d say for my legacy at Boise State, I want to be remembered more as the person than the player,” Reynolds said. “The connections, camaraderie, and people being able to count on me is what matters the most.”
Academic success is as much of a standard to the program as is winning matches and championships, an approach that has been championed by Head Coach and Director Chris “Doc” Haskell.
“We don’t recruit highlight reels, we recruit people who want to grow. If you’re like Gabriel and Wyatt, you’re coachable, curious, and committed to the team, you’ll thrive here,” Haskell said. “We look for students who crave structure, chase improvement, and are willing to do the unglamorous work that winning requires. Talent matters, but mindset matters more.”
A Gateway To The Future
The esports experience doesn’t end when the matches do. It opens doors to careers in game design, cybersecurity, software development, broadcasting, and more. For students like Reynolds and Morrison, it’s also a launchpad for personal and professional growth.
“For anyone looking to do esports and college, just communicate that to your family or support system,” Reynolds said. “I see so many that get stopped by their parents from playing because they see it as an unhealthy habit when there really is so much esports offers.”
Whether designing circuitry or perfecting team strategy, Reynolds and Morrison are living proof of what it means to be an engineer at Boise State—curious, driven, and never afraid to try something different.
Because at Boise State, the next generation of engineers isn’t just building systems, they’re building legacies.