MANSFIELD, Ma. - Jacob VanRyn, who helped start the National Esports Collegiate Conference over four years ago, has officially joined the conference staff on a full-time basis it was announced today. After having spent almost two decades in traditional college athletics, VanRyn's transition comes prior to the start of the NECC's 2023-24 academic season.
"It was time to make this transition," said VanRyn who had worked in an unpaid part time role since the NECC started prior to the 2020-21 Fall Semester. "With our growth over the past three-plus years, I need to focus on ensuring we do everything possible to continue providing the best possible experience for our community."
VanRyn helped start the NECC along with Caleb Glube, and has worked primarily in external-facing efforts since the conference began. He was recently honored as the Commissioner of the Year by CSMG.
In his current role, VanRyn will be responsible for the continued growth and development of the conference as well the oversight and management of the external efforts. He will also work with internal staff and the conference's committee structure to ensure both are operating as smoothly and as efficiently as possible to serve the NECC membership.
"I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a truly wonderful community. A number of people have heard me say this, but I've made so many friends in this space that I wouldn't have had I continued in traditional athletics, and I don't take that for granted."
Prior to joining the NECC in his current role, VanRyn worked for a number of NCAA Division II and Division III athletic conferences; including the Northeast-10 Conference, the Empire-8 Conference, the New England Collegiate Conference, and the Collegiate Conference of the South.
"I'm really proud of what we've built and will continue build. It's been an absolute honor to work with our staff and I'm excited to be able to devote all of my time towards making the NECC the best it possibly can be."
ABOUT THE NECC
The NECC has sponsored both regular season competition and championships across a wide variety of popular titles since 2020. With more than 300 colleges and universities currently competing, the NECC strives to be a positive home for the collegiate gaming community.
The NECC fosters innovative competition experiences, provides quality broadcasting services, and works to support an inclusive community within collegiate esports. The NECC was started as a way to provide the collegiate gaming community with the respect it warranted and deserved. The conference prides itself on responding to the needs of its schools, directors, coaches, and most importantly - its players.
