Texas A&M University-San Antonio Esports is Entering the 2026-27 academic year under a new structure.
Originally launched as a varsity program, TAMUSA Esports is now the TAMUSA Esports Club, a student-led club under the Department of Recreational Sports. As the first sport club under this new model, it will help establish a framework for future clubs across the University.
The transition follows a strong period for Jaguar esports. The Overwatch team finished in the national top 8 during both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 seasons, earning back-to-back Super Conference qualifications. Students also produced live broadcasts with the Jaguar Sports Network, coached esports teams at San Antonio-area schools, and gained experience in broadcast, facility operations and content production.
Under the sport club model, each competitive team operates as its own entity. Student members elect officers who oversee recruiting, scheduling, practices, competition goals and the club’s identity. Clubs also submit funding requests to Recreational Sports and must maintain the structure required of recognized student organizations.
“I’m very excited about our multiple team captain opportunities,” said Ethan Ledesma, an esports student leader. “These captain positions are great for growing leadership skills and serve as an open door for networking through marketing a team.”
Aaron Jaggers, assistant director of Recreational Sports and head esports coach, is transitioning into an advisor role. He will support students with governance, budgeting and accountability while club members manage the teams’ day-to-day operations.
“Our students have been running practices, broadcasts and events for years,” Jaggers said. “The club model puts the name on the door to match. They own it now, and Rec Sports is here to back them.”
The esports lab will continue to serve as a space for open play and competitive practice. The club also includes students interested in event operations, live broadcasting, marketing, design and community engagement.
For Ledesma, the people he met through esports have become an important part of his college experience.
“I came to TAMUSA by myself, and my first impression of this campus was the esports program,” Ledesma said. “Since joining, I have found new friends, opportunities for growth in my marketing career, and a community that serves as a second home for me.”
Recreational Sports is using the esports club as a pilot while developing a sport club framework for other competitive student groups. The framework is intended to provide structure for student-run clubs while allowing support from Recreational Sports and faculty or staff advisors.
“Success is a semester where students set the calendar, run their own practices and make decisions without me in the room,” Jaggers said. “Self-sufficiency.”
Students interested in joining TAMUSA Esports Club can find the organization and opportunities to get involved through JagSync.