POINT3, an Atlanta-based performance apparel brand, and Johnson C. Smith University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Charlotte, North Carolina announce their 2021 esports apparel partnership. The JCSU Esports and Gaming Club joins POINT3’s growing roster of gaming organizations, with POINT3 serving as the team’s official jersey provider.
This partnership follows POINT3 and NextUp Partners announcing a multi-pronged, strategic alignment to accelerate POINT3’s position as the leading performance outfitter in gaming. JCSU’s Esports and Gaming Trifecta initiatives consists of: Certificate and minor programs in Esports and Gaming Management, an Esports Lab, a Game Development Club, and a highly competitive Esports Club.
“From the moment we were introduced to the students and faculty at JCSU Esports we could feel their passion, pride in their program and love of the game,” said Michael Luscher, Founder and CEO of POINT3. “This partnership is an important one as we explore ways to empower the gaming community and the diverse pool of young talent emerging in the space.”
POINT3’s design is inspired by a combination of the old and the new. The jerseys sport JCSU’s signature Gold and Blue colorways, paired with the University’s classic font, founding year and Golden Bull horns seen on the jersey sleeve. Modernizing the design is the use of POINT3’s patented DRYV technology giving players a wipe zone to keep hands and face dry when competing. To check out the official JCSU Esports and Gaming Club jerseys, click here!
“We are elated to partner with POINT3, the exclusive jersey provider for JCSU’s Esports Club. It’s a privilege to represent JCSU Esports, CIAA Esports and the entire HBCU esports and gaming ecosystem through this partnership,” said Dr. BerNadette Lawson-Williams, Founder/Advisor of JCSU’s Esports and Gaming Trifecta and Coordinator of JCSU’s online Sport Management Program, both the first at an HBCU and housed in the Metropolitan College of Professional Studies.
Since its inception in May 2020, the Esports Club has already made a name for itself in the space. The club consists of approximately 15 team members who play in a variety of esports including Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rocket League, Madden and NBA2K. Because of the team’s well-rounded talent, they have quickly secured victories over well-known universities such as University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Virginia Tech, Shenandoah University, Howard University, Clemson University.
JCSU is the first HBCU to launch an Esports and Gaming Management certificate program for professionals and a minor program for undergraduate students. The 21-credit minor offers specialized coursework in esports and gaming management, and marketing, providing students with a strong foundational skill set. To enhance that foundation and provide working experience, POINT3 is giving JCSU students internship opportunities at the organization’s corporate headquarters.
“We are excited to play a role in bringing together two organizations who are leading the way in the world of esports,” said Sabrina Jenkins of NextUp Partners. “With this collaboration, we will help ensure students from the African American community have an opportunity to excel within this growing landscape.”
The JSCU Esports Club’s next match will be on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 8 p.m. on Twitch at: @JCSUesports. Be sure to follow along on the team’s journey and continued success.