Widener Athletics Hires First Ever Esports Coach

The Widener University Department of Athletics and Athletics Director Jack Shafer announced the hiring of Devin Hartnett as the first head coach of the Widener Esports program.

"It is a great honor to be selected as the first Esports coach at Widener University," said Hartnett. "When it comes to the Mid-Atlantic, Widener is one of the first schools to open a varsity Esports program. The growth potential within this area is huge and I am excited to be a part of this step forward for the university. I'd like to thank Mr. Shafer and the entire search committee for this opportunity."

Shafer echoed those sentiments.

"We are very excited to bring in Devin as the first head coach of Widener Esports," said Shafer. "He brings a strong background in both playing and coaching at a high level and is a good leader to represent us as we move forward into this rapidly growing arena."

Hartnett recently coached the Philadelphia Specters to a city championship and a berth in the Super League Gaming national tournament in League of Legends. He also has experience as the head coach under North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) for multiple League of Legends teams and as the head coach of the Havoks Gaming League of Legends team where he was responsible for skill training, team leadership, and video review.

As a player, Harnett specialized in Quake III. He is a graduate of Harcum College.

The 24th varsity sport at the University, Widener will open Esports competition in the spring 2020 semester.