HARRISBURG, PA — Esports Checkpoint, a series within Harrisburg University of Science and Technology’s (HU) IMPACT Podcast, highlights different aspects of the University’s esports degree program and the broader esports industry.
In the latest episode, host Theresa Gaffney, MA, LPC, NCC, program lead for Esports at HU, sits down with Nick Sutton, esports operations manager for The HU Storm, and Jacob Groves ’27, an Esports Management, Production, and Performance student and Gen.G student representative. During the episode, the three discuss the growth of Marvel Rivals at the collegiate and professional levels, as well as The Storm’s plans for the 2026–27 academic year.
Sutton brings extensive experience in collegiate esports to his role at Harrisburg University. Before joining The Storm, he served as head esports coach at Wayne State College, where his teams won more than 400 games across multiple titles and captured six conference championships. He has five years of coaching experience in Rocket League and three years of experience as a competitive player.
Groves is pursuing his degree in Esports Management, Production, and Performance at Harrisburg University and serves as a Gen.G student representative. Earlier this year, he participated in the Gen.G Practicum Abroad Program in Seoul, South Korea, where he gained hands-on experience in esports and connected with industry professionals.
Professor Gaffney brings more than 15 years of experience in esports, digital media, and higher education to the conversation. She began her esports career with Collegiate StarLeague in 2011 and has worked with organizations including PlayStation Competition Center, TED Conferences, and Community Gaming. She also launched Messiah University’s esports program in 2019 before joining Harrisburg University as faculty in 2024.
Gaffney is also a licensed professional counselor and a national certified counselor, as well as the founder of Metacognition Counseling, a private practice specializing in healthy gaming and digital wellness.
Listen to this episode of the IMPACT Podcast on Spotify.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, analytics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, nursing, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Director of Communications for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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