Overwatch looks to improve on their already impressive record from the 2024-25 season.
After a 16-7 record in 2025, the NW Overwatch team is taking the new season by storm. A 3-0 victory against UC Santa Cruz was backed up last Friday with a 3-0 win against Cal State Dominguez Hills. Under the leadership of new Esports director Avery Gessaman, the Raiders are poised to have a monumental year for the program.
“The season is going extremely well,” Gessaman said. “Competitively, Northwestern College is completely dominant so far in the highest level of competition possible.”
Gessaman graduated from Shenandoah University in December, so he has the rare advantage of having competed in the sport as recently as a few months ago. This firsthand experience, paired with the coaching duties he carried out at his alma mater, will be valuable.
Despite the fast turnaround since graduating, Gessaman has handled the transition well.
“The first few weeks have been busy but smooth and fun,” Gessaman said. “I can relate to students easily, as I was very recently in their shoes. I strive to challenge my Overwatch team to help each other more as they pursue personal improvement. The chemistry is elite with this team, so I expect them to continue to thrive.”
This cohesion within the team has propelled them to new heights.
“The results of our placement matches put us in division one, which means we will be competing at the very highest level, even against full pro teams at times,” Xander Ingallinera, the team’s tank, said. “With this challenge in mind, I believe our current team is matching and possibly exceeding expectations. We know we are a strong team so we know we can beat many of the teams in division one.”
With the team’s confidence building, a milestone moment may be on the horizon.
“We want to win against a really good team and prove how good our team really is,” Ingallinera said. “To be the best we have to prepare like the best.”
That opportunity to defeat a powerhouse team may come in their match against Northwood College, who Ingallinera thinks will be the toughest opponent the Raiders will face this year, as their roster is full of current pro players.
The Raiders will be the ones to watch as they continue their climb up the ranks.
The Overwatch team is set to compete next on Feb. 20 against UCLA.
