MCC’s Nathan Rodemeyer Named National Esports Coach of the Year
Marshalltown Community College Head Esports Coach Nathan Rodemeyer was named the National Association of Esports Coaches & Directors’ (NAECAD) College Coach of the Year. The national conference was held at the University of Akron from June 16–18.
MARSHALLTOWN — Marshalltown Community College Head Esports Coach Nathan Rodemeyer was named the National Association of Esports Coaches & Directors' (NAECAD) College Coach of the Year. The national conference was held at the University of Akron from June 16–18.
At the awards ceremony on June 17, NAECAD honored coaches and directors for their service, innovation, and dedication to excellence with seven unique awards. To be selected, individuals must be nominated by peers and reviewed by the NAECAD team.
Rodemeyer joined MCC in 2022 as a faculty member and coach where he launched the Esports Program Management AAS and diploma curriculum. He has served the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) alongside Esports Director Dr. Andrew Goforth ever since. Most recently, Rodemeyer was named the IVCCD Business-IT Division Chair, and the duo just coached the MCC esports program to its 30th championship win alongside the rest of the MCC esports coaching staff.
Founded in 2019, NAECAD serves as the primary professional organization for esports at all levels with a focus on scholastic esports. MCC has been a member of NAECAD since 2023, finding great value in the organization's coaching resources, networking opportunities, and industry vision.
"This role is so much more than a job. It is a calling," Rodemeyer said. "As coaches, we are here to serve students first. Championships and competitive success are great, but the key to reaching those milestones is human connection and helping people become the best versions of themselves. So many coaches understand this purpose and tirelessly commit to it every day, and it is an honor to be recognized alongside them."
After the ceremony, Dr. Chris "Doc" Haskell, head esports coach at Boise State University, shared some wisdom with Rodemeyer: "Congratulations. That award is a celebration of what you've done, but more importantly, it's a commitment to what you will do." Haskell encouraged Rodemeyer, Goforth, and the MCC coaching staff to continue their efforts and lift up others in the space.
Other national award recipients included Jenna Savage (Life Remodeled, Rising Star Award), Mark Deppe (UC Irvine, Outstanding Commitment Award), Henry Johnston (Baker College, Outstanding Leadership Award), Shayne Trail (Lake Shore Public Schools, K-12 Coach of the Year Award), Stephen Jacobson (Sturgeon Bay Schools, K-12 Director of the Year Award), and Joey Gawrysiak (Syracuse University, College Director of the Year Award).
Photo Caption: Pictured from left to right on the photo are Travis Yang who accepted the award for Syracuse University on behalf of Dr. Joey Gawrysiak, Shayne Trail, Henry Johnston, Jenna Savage, Nathan Rodemeyer, and Mark Deppe.
