Esports, Community, and the Rise of the NECC: A Conversation with Commissioner Jacob VanRyn

Unless you’ve had your head in the sand, it’s been hard to ignore the rise of collegiate esports in recent years. Within its growing ecosystem, the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) has taken significant strides in shaping the collegiate esports landscape. At the organization's helm is Commissioner Jacob VanRyn , a man with a vision to create meaningful esports experiences for students.

The Journey to NECC: Bridging Traditional Athletics and Esports

For VanRyn, his journey to becoming the Commissioner of the NECC was a transition from the traditional sports world, leveraging over two decades of experience in college athletics. Recognizing the value of esports to schools, he expressed an urgency to establish a credible and authentic esports platform. "If we were going to do this," he notes, "I wanted to do it right, even if I didn't know much about the space early on."

Jacob's past in traditional athletics was vital, providing a foundational model for the NECC. Yet, recognizing his knowledge gaps, he teamed up with Caleb Glube , who brought critical expertise from the college esports scene. Their combined perspectives have led to a thriving conference with a modest approach in operation, always striving for improvement. "We're okay with not being perfect," VanRyn muses. "What's important is that we're trying to be better each day and that we're transparent in the process."

Born out of the New England Collegiate Conference , the NECC started small—just four or five schools four years ago. Now, the organization works with more than 400.

Overcoming Initial Challenges: Building a Foundation of Credibility

Just as any venture beginning its journey, the NECC was met with an array of challenges, each a puzzle piece integral to the formation of a successful and credible organization. The first of these challenges was game selection. As VanRyn noted, the early focus on single-player games like Madden resulted in a high forfeit rate. The solution, it became apparent, would involve a comprehensive understanding of player interests and industry trends to tailor a more engaging and consistent selection.

Parallel to game selection was the task of constructing a robust code of conduct and a transparent governance structure. Developing these codes was not just about laying down rules but creating an environment that promotes respect, fairness, and sportsmanship—pillars that, when strongly rooted, drive the culture of any successful sporting organization. Building a solid governance structure required engagement with key stakeholders, including deans and VPs. Their support was essential in fostering legitimacy and authority that the NECC needed to thrive in the competitive esports landscape.

Fostering a positive internal culture was another cornerstone. By encouraging a customer service-oriented mindset, the NECC highlighted the importance of a people-first approach. This, in turn, cultivated a conducive work environment and reinforced their grassroots commitment to learning and growing with the community.

VanRyn recalls this foundational period, stating, "We approached it like a customer service organization, always putting people first. We wanted to learn from others in the space, to be authentic and grassroots in our approach." This mindset allowed the NECC to progressively overcome initial challenges and pave the way for their growth and recognition in the collegiate esports industry.

Standing Out: Emphasizing Community and Access

The NECC distinguishes itself from other collegiate esports organizations by carving a unique identity grounded in its community-first approach. Unlike other organizations that may prioritize competition and accolades, the NECC, places the community at the heart of its mission.

VanRyn's ethos is clear, "Our goal was to serve this community across the entire spectrum—from top-tier programs to clubs. We aim to provide a competitive experience for all and celebrate the accomplishments of all esports students." This inclusivity emphasizes the NECC's commitment to provide all participants, regardless of their skill level or the size of their program, with a platform to compete and shine.

Additionally, the NECC promotes accessibility by accommodating schools with multiple teams in the same game titles, offering more students the opportunity to participate and excel in esports. This inclusivity and accessibility embody a critical aspect of the organization's DNA: it is a community that values each member's contributions and ensures that everyone has the chance to partake in the experience.

Shaping the Future of College Esports

When asked about the NECC’s role in shaping college esports, VanRyn reflects on their aspirations, "Do we want to be the NCAA of esports? We’re more focused on a simpler task: making sure that everybody has a good experience."

Looking ahead, the NECC aims to enhance competition at all levels and extend its national championship offering. "We want to do more in-person stuff, and continue to highlight the stories of our players and community," VanRyn shares.

Addressing programs run by a single person, often juggling other university roles, the NECC is eager to provide better support, along with an enhanced educational component. For VanRyn, "College esports is more than just competition, we strive to provide an enriching experience that goes beyond the game, an experience that prepares our students for a promising future in and outside the esports landscape."

As the esports scene evolves, the National Esports Collegiate Conference, under the guidance of Commissioner Jacob VanRyn, continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving the industry forward. By placing a priority on community, inclusivity, and the holistic development of student-athletes, the NECC provides a blueprint for the future of collegiate esports. Through this approach, the organization ensures that while the games may be largely virtual, the experiences and impact are very much real.

In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of college esports, one thing is clear: with commissioners like Jacob VanRyn at the helm, the future of collegiate esports is bright.