JOHNSON CITY – Class is in session for East Tennessee State University’s Varsity Esports team Head Coach Jeff Shell. Shell, who has led the team since November 2019, has been accepted into a course taught by Parth Naidu, an integral figure in the advancement of the gaming community.
Naidu is the former head coach and general manager of Team SoloMid (TSM), the world’s
largest professional esports organization. Naidu has since launched his own company,
SIDO, a distinctive research and consultancy group. The company is focused on a long-term
approach to esports with a goal of proving the possibility to create the best players
and teams in a healthy and ethical way, and that inclusivity and diversity are assets
in building an excellent future.
Shell has secured a coveted seat in Naidu’s signature course, “The SIDO Framework
for Esports Coaching and Management.” The fully booked course will provide Shell with
a plan to advance the team at ETSU by learning valuable skills in areas such as talent
scouting, developing players and optimizing a team for performance.
“I was thrilled to find out I had been accepted into the course as Parth is a coach
that I have looked up to for a long time,” said Shell. “Despite only being three sessions
into the course, I’ve already found places to implement some of the practices and
concepts that we’ve covered. I'm looking forward to taking what I'm learning and using
that knowledge to continue to level up the esports program at ETSU.”
Part of the National Association of Collegiate Esports, the team is continuing to
forge success in its fourth season of competition. This spring, athletes on each of
the team’s four rosters are keeping busy with loaded scrimmage and tournament schedules.
To learn more about Coach Jeff Shell and the ETSU Varsity Esports team, visit etsu.edu/esports/.