For two years, coach
Denzel Vaughan, affectionately known on campus as Coach Denny, has piloted Keiser's Esports team to success. Now entering his third year, Vaughan prepares for his squad to join the Sun Conference and to lead a growing sport to new heights. "My first full year here was all about rebuilding this program, and now it's about guiding it to where it needs to be," said Vaughan. "We had our first winning season in program history as well as some All-Conference honors." Coach Denny also received a conference award when he was honored as the Mid-South Head Coach of the Year. "I was very happy to get that award. It solidified to me that our process is working."
That process has been effective so far. The Seahawks logged a 50-36 record last year as well as an 8-6 mark in Mid-South Conference play. With the program now established, attention now goes toward competing for championships. "Like all other sports here at Keiser, we have a championship mindset. We want to win and dominate in everything we do."
The Keiser Esports team will be departing the Mid-South conference after the fall semester. The team will be joining the Sun Conference in the spring along with familiar foes Florida Memorial, SCAD Savannah, St. Thomas, Southeastern, and Webber International. "It's great to see Esports added to the Sun Conference," said Vaughan. "It ultimately adds more validity to our craft, and I can't wait to compete."
Keiser provides a unique opportunity for Esports, with a state-of-the art gaming lab and a supportive administration. "In my opinion, we have one of the best Esports labs in all of South Florida, and we are still looking to add to it with renovations and upgrades." The university itself has also been a valuable source of support for the young program. "We are absolutely blessed to have the amount of support that we have at Keiser. Every coach and every staff member has been great to us and has recognized that we are striving for success. At some places, there is a stigma against Esports, but we don't get any of that here."
As a former NAIA athlete, Vaughan understands what it takes to succeed in college athletics. "I was a college athlete (Vaughan wrestled collegiately at St. Andrews University), and I understand the time and sacrifice it takes for athletes to be great, regardless of what sport they play. Obviously, Esports is different from most traditional sports, but the same mindset applies."
With a conference move upcoming and continued support from the University, Seahawks fans can anticipate new levels from KU Esports this year and beyond.
Get the latest information on the team by following @keiseresports on Instagram.
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