Team members and the coach of Lubbock Christian University’s (LCU) Esports have been nominated for individual national awards in recognition of their performance during the team’s successful winning of a recent national championship.

LCU’s Esports program has earned significant accolades this season, with multiple nominations from the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Competition Council and Awards Committee. Freshman Tiki Duquella, a Humanities major from Knoxville, TN, has been nominated for the NACE 1st Team All-Star, while Sophomore Noah West, a Business major from Mechanicsville, VA, has received a nomination for the NACE 2nd Team All-Star. Additionally, Coach Brandon Hackett has been nominated for Coach of the Year for both Rocket League (RL) and Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU).

These prestigious nominations follow LCU’s Esports team clinching the NACE Starleague Spring 2024 Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU) National Championship. This victory underscores the program's rapid rise to prominence on the national stage.

When asked about his nomination, Coach Hackett expressed his gratitude, stating, “I'm humbled, honored, and a bit blown away. However, the credit really goes to my players. Our success comes from hard work, dedication, and a shared vision of the program and the impact we can make.” The final decisions will be announced on July 17th.

Despite being a relatively young program, LCU Esports has emerged as a formidable contender in the collegiate esports arena. The team's recent triumph in the NACE Starleague Championship, coupled with these latest nominations, highlights their exceptional skill and dedication.

LCU’s Esports program continues to draw attention and respect at all levels, positioning itself as a powerhouse in collegiate esports. The community eagerly anticipates the announcement of the final awards, confident that LCU's excellence will be duly recognized.