In the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, a new contender has emerged that’s reshaping how we think about competition, student engagement, and the future of sports. Boise State University’s esports program, under the visionary leadership of Coach Chris “Doc” Haskell, has established itself as a national powerhouse in just a few short years.
The journey began in 2017 when then-president Bob Kustra declared that Boise State could become “the Alabama of esports.” This bold vision, coupled with Gordon Jones’ determination to find “an unfair competitive advantage,” set the stage for what would become one of the most successful collegiate esports programs in the country. What’s particularly remarkable is how quickly this transformation occurred – in just eight years, Boise State has claimed six national championships and established itself as a premier destination for student-athletes in the digital arena.
Doc Haskell, who transitioned from his role as a professor in the College of Education to become head coach of the varsity esports team, brings a unique perspective to the program. At 54, he’s significantly older than most esports coaches who typically fall in their late 20s or early 30s. This experience, combined with his background in education and deep understanding of game-based learning, has allowed him to develop a distinctive approach to recruiting, training, and mentoring his players.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Boise State’s esports program is their recruiting philosophy. Unlike traditional sports that often focus primarily on athletic ability, Doc prioritizes academic excellence. “The first question we ask in the recruiting process is: What are your grades?” he explains. The program targets students with GPAs of 3.8 or higher for scholarships, dispelling the stereotype of gamers as academically disengaged. In fact, many of their recruits are National Honor Society members with perfect 4.0 GPAs who happen to excel at gaming.
The commitment to academic and personal development extends to the program’s culture. Drawing inspiration from Urban Meyer’s “Above the Line” philosophy, Doc has established clear expectations for his players that go beyond gaming skills. “We don’t blame, complain, defend. We always look for where we can take responsibility or accountability,” he explains. This approach has cultivated a championship mindset that extends beyond competition into all aspects of the students’ lives.
The program has grown exponentially since its inception. Today, Boise State competes in the top power esports conference alongside Michigan State, Ohio State, Syracuse, Nebraska, and Minnesota. They’ve established a dedicated 7,000+ square foot facility in downtown Boise with a spectator arena where players compete on stage, complete with professional lighting and broadcast capabilities. The program produces approximately 30 hours of live content weekly and now has its own documentary series airing on local television.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the program’s impact on students’ futures. With $175,000 in annual scholarships, Boise State esports is creating opportunities for students to pursue their education while competing at the highest levels. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers, including Kellen McGurk, whom Doc jokingly refers to as “the most successful Kellen in Boise State history,” who now works on Capitol Hill for the legislature.
As collegiate esports continues to grow nationally – from just a handful of programs in 2017 to over 800 today – Boise State remains at the forefront of innovation in this space. They’ve not only embraced the competitive aspects of gaming but have integrated it into the broader university mission of student development and preparation for future success. With esports set to join the Olympic program in the coming years, Boise State is positioning itself to be a training center for future Olympians.
For Doc Haskell, who has spent over three decades at Boise State as a student, cheerleader, professor, and now coach, the program represents far more than just winning championships. It’s about creating a legacy of excellence, innovation, and student success that will continue to define Boise State University for generations to come.
