SXU Esports Coach Lemar Daniels Named NAECAD Coach of the Year

Saint Xavier University (SXU) esports coach Lemar Daniels has been named National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD) Head Coach of the Year after leading the SXU esports team to three division titles in its first season of competition.  

"This award really means a lot to me. Sometimes as a coach, you wonder if you're truly doing the best you can with what you have, and this award recognizes the success of the esports program at SXU," said Daniels.  

The award marks Daniels' third overall coach of the year honor and second national honor. He credits the hard work of the team for the NAECAD recognition.  

"It's my belief to put in the work – whether I'm scouting, scheduling, or ensuring a solid structure to our practices, I show my players 100% effort, and they usually respond with 110% of their own," said Daniels.   

As a former college athlete, Daniels has always enjoyed competing. He finds it's not the wins that draw him, but the ability to put in work and improve that he appreciates.  

"I have a passion for video games and a joy for coaching – I love my job. I love esports because the program requires a high amount of mental strength and concentration. I truly believe it's a skill that anyone who puts the time in can improve from, and it benefits students because it gives them something to commit to," said Daniels.  

The first official year of the esports program at SXU has gone tremendously well.  

"I really look forward to the upcoming year. We have some solid talent coming in, and with our acceptance into the Great Lakes Esports Conference, we've been able to align ourselves with the rest of our winning Athletics teams," said Daniels.  

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