From filmmaking and media production to leadership and program operations, Wichita State students are gaining paid, hands-on experience while helping the Wichita State Esports Program succeed.
Behind every esports competition is more than a team of players. There are photographers capturing the action, videographers producing content, event organizers coordinating activities and student leaders keeping operations running smoothly.
At Wichita State University, those behind-the-scenes responsibilities are creating valuable applied learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in a variety of industries.
Through support from Wichita State's Applied Learning Fund, students like June Hughes and John Kennedy Navarro are gaining paid, hands-on experience while contributing to the success of the Wichita State Esports Program.
The Wichita State Esports Program supports competitive teams in Call of Duty, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Valorant. Its student staff also includes individuals working in strategic communications, event production, partnerships, community engagement and program administration.
For Hughes and Navarro, esports has become more than a personal interest. It is an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge, strengthen professional skills and prepare for their futures.
Turning a Passion for Filmmaking Into Professional Experience
June Hughes, a senior majoring in filmmaking, serves as a photographer and videographer for the esports program. His responsibilities include documenting competitions and events, producing videos and capturing player headshots used in the program's promotional materials.
Hughes joined the program in fall 2025 after being introduced to it by a friend. He initially contributed his skills as an unpaid staff member before transitioning into a paid position supported by the Applied Learning Fund.
For Hughes, receiving compensation has made a meaningful difference in his ability to focus on his work.
"Having a paid position means I can focus more on my work for esports and less on freelance jobs for money," Hughes said.
During events, Hughes moves between photography and videography, capturing gameplay, speakers and other activities. Afterward, he begins editing and color grading the footage and photographs.
Although Hughes already had experience working with cameras, lighting and audio equipment, being part of the esports media team has introduced him to new aspects of professional production.
"Being a part of the esports staff has given me valuable knowledge and experience with media production pipelines," Hughes said.
Working with other students has taught him to collaborate on creative projects, incorporate feedback and contribute his own ideas.
"My experience with esports directly mirrors what I am learning in class," Hughes said. "My education is directly responsible for my success on the esports staff."
As he prepares to graduate in spring 2027, Hughes says his experience has strengthened his confidence in pursuing a career in media production and sparked an interest in sports media.
"Thanks to my experience with the players and staff, I am much more confident in my ability to get a job in media," he said.
Developing Leadership Skills Behind the Scenes
While Hughes helps tell the story of the Wichita State Esports Program through photography and video, John Kennedy Navarro helps keep the program operating.
Navarro, a first-year graduate student pursuing a master's degree in sociology, serves in a leadership and facilities management role within the esports program.
His responsibilities include maintaining equipment, overseeing facilities, supporting students and staff, and helping guide program operations.
For Navarro, support from the Applied Learning Fund has allowed him to devote substantial time to the program while continuing his graduate education.
"The funding is actually more monumentally impactful than many realize," Navarro said.
He explained that having a paid position allows him to take on greater responsibilities, work directly with program operations and contribute to decisions that affect the program's future.
"It's also an incentive for me to stick around longer and continue with the program's success," he said.
Navarro brings a unique combination of leadership experience and esports knowledge to his position.
He served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve, achieving the rank of sergeant and gaining valuable experience training, supervising and instructing soldiers. He has also spent nearly a decade as a regional esports tournament organizer in Iowa, collaborating with sponsors, brands, schools and communities to coordinate competitive gaming events.
At Wichita State, Navarro draws on those experiences to support student staff, maintain facilities and help the program operate effectively.
His position also allows him to work alongside students from different academic disciplines, providing opportunities to share knowledge, solve problems and collaborate toward common goals.
Although Navarro has considerable experience in esports and leadership, his long-term goal is to become a professor.
He plans to graduate in spring 2028 and hopes to bring his interest in challenging traditional approaches and exploring new ideas into higher education.
Through his role in esports, Navarro continues to develop the communication, leadership and organizational skills that will serve him throughout his career.
Investing in Opportunities Beyond Competition
For Brooks Valdez, director of the Wichita State Esports Program and a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in sport management, the Applied Learning Fund plays an important role in the program's success.
"The Applied Learning Fund is the reason the Wichita State Esports Program has a presence in the industry, which is incredibly important for us," Valdez said. "Our student staff represents the program in front of prospective students and university leadership. Our student employees working in marketing, graphic design, photography and video production are developing real, executable marketing plans and creating media that supports the nearly 60 students participating in our competitive esports program. At the same time, they're producing professional work they can showcase in their resumes and portfolios. Their unique contributions give our program its character and make every success even sweeter."
The partnership demonstrates how investing in students can strengthen university programs while creating opportunities for professional growth. For Hughes, Navarro and their fellow student employees, the skills and experiences gained through esports are preparing them for success far beyond the game.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.