DSU ESports adds Yankton native as coach

MADISON, S.D. (DSUAthletics.com)- Nicolas Engle, a professional esports athlete, is bringing his knowledge and experience to Dakota State’s young esports team.

Engle started out playing Call of Duty on Xbox 360. He learned about a more skilled level of play through friends he met playing the game.

Engle, a Yankton, S.D. native, started his competitive career in Call of Duty competitions before taking up PC gaming. He played CSGO in the Cervo Pro League and finished his career playing public and private Fortnite events.

There’s a lot of work that goes into being a professional esports athlete, Engle explained.

He also has a history teaching individual esports teams and individuals looking to improve their playing. These experiences will be beneficial to the esports program as it continues to grow at DSU.

Adding the assistant coach position will help with the organizational and administrative responsibilities that come with a sport that has nearly 100 student-athletes, Roland shared.

Since starting his position, Engle is focusing on recruitment, noting that esports players often have a love for technology that makes DSU a great place to continue their education and participation in the sport.

Additionally, he will work with Roland to coordinate media coverage of matches and events, and together they hope to “overcome the language barrier” between the esports community and casual viewers.

Engle will also be working with athletes on skill development in the game in which they are competing.