This is the full text of NACE Esports's 1/5/2018 press release.

St. Ambrose University Athletic Director Ray Shovlain announced today that the University will add Esports as a varsity program on campus. Intercollegiate competition will begin in the fall of 2018, and the University is offering talent-based scholarships.

The team will initially play Overwatch and League of Legends. Additional games could be added in the future.

St. Ambrose will join the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), a nonprofit membership association organized by and on behalf of member institutions. NACE consists of nearly 50 colleges and universities across the country. More than 90 percent of all varsity Esports programs in the United States are members of NACE.

"We are always looking at adding new programs on the cutting edge, and Esports is another example of that," Shovlain said. "There is tremendous interest in Esports, and we want to provide opportunities for students to continue their competitive careers at a high level."

Since 2006-07, St. Ambrose has added competitive cheer and dance, men's and women's bowling, men's and women's lacrosse, athletic band, men's and women's swimming and diving, and now Esports, giving the Athletic Department 29 varsity programs.

A search for a full-time Esports head coach is underway. More information on Esports and the NACE is available at www.nacesports.org