Hill College esports program continues to improve in second year with a brother/sister duo

  Ashlee Ferguson
  Tuesday, November 25, 2025 8:44 AM
  Student Activities

Hillsboro, TX

In 2024, Hill College initiated an esports program under the direction of Vice President of Information Technology & Learning Innovation/CIO Kevin Rocha and esports Coordinator Roy Escobedo. In the short time since its inception, the program has flourished, winning the National Association of College Esports (NACE) Rocket League Regional Championships last year.  

Brother and sister Julian and Faith Rimmer joined the Hill College esports pilot program last year. After a tough 1-6 record, the duo teamed up with Tanner Tyson and Seth Reagan this year as the Super Smash Brothers, one of five teams in the esports program.  

The team started the season off with a 4-0 record, tied for first place in their division alongside one of the best collegiate esports programs in the nation, Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. While they wrapped up the regular season with a record of 4-3, they finished fourth in their division.  

“Julian and Faith Rimmer show the determination and drive our students bring to the esports program at Hill College. We are excited about what the future holds for them and the rest of the program as it continues to grow,” said Escobedo.  

“Being in esports has been an amazing experience and a lot of fun. I’ve met some great people, and we love sharing strategies with each other. This program has given me opportunities I never expected and pushed me to improve my gameplay across more characters,” said Julian. 

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of the esports program at Hill College! It’s been a blast playing with such an awesome team and growing together as players. Every moment of this season has been exciting, and I’m looking forward to what’s next,” said Faith. 

The addition of the program has brought numerous benefits to the college. Gaming attracts a wide range of individuals, increasing the opportunity for a new audience for enrollment and campus diversity. In the short time of its existence, the esports program has enhanced the college’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution that embraces emerging trends and technologies and will become a powerful recruitment tool and open doors for new partnerships and community collaborations.  

Escobedo’s vision for the esports program continues to center around creating a dynamic and inclusive environment where students compete at a high level and grow as individuals both academically and personally by fostering a platform of leadership and innovation. The program provides students the opportunity to explore career paths within the gaming community, including management and broadcasting, among others. 

“The Hill College esports program continues to grow stronger each season, and these two siblings are proof that the future is bright and competitive for Hill College esports,” said Escobedo. 

The esports program is available to both dual credit and college-level students. For more information, email esports@hillcollege.edu. 

For more information on Hill College, visit hillcollege.edu.