Q&A with the new Esports Head Coach
Former C-SC student, Alex Madera ’19, takes on role as new Esports Head Coach
Photo of Alex Mader that originally came with the announcement of his position. Photo courtesy of Culver-Stockton College.
Alex Madera, a December 2019 graduate with a bachelors degree in sports management from Culver-Stockton College, had been announced in January as the new C-SC Esports Head Coach. The Wildcat Wire was able to meet with him and discuss the how Madera became involved with Esports, and what he hopes to accomplish with the program.
Q. How did you get into EA sports?
A. “I used to play video games for hours, and my brother used to go to Culver and he told me you guys created a team for Esports. He spoke to the people in charge and said talk to your brother and see if he could come. I thought in the beginning it was a joke. I originally was playing baseball at Graceland but they gave me a good offer to come here and be part of the new program, and it went from playing video games as a hobby to playing it as a competitive sport.”
Q. What made you want to take on the responsibility of being the head coach?
A. “I already knew the guys, I played with them all the time. I knew the school actually cared about the program and wanted to improve it. Knowing someone else trusts me to have the responsibility in this program and move it forward and make it grow, it made me realize that was a path I wanted to take. Since I knew everyone, I love the program, they treated me really well, it’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life. As I was thinking about the decision, I decided to come and take over and do everything i can to make it succeed and be a successful program.”
Q. What are your responsibilities as the head coach?
A. “As the head coach some of my responsibilities are making sure that guys are going to class, that they do what they are supposed to do as a student, because as everyone knows the student in student-athlete comes first. Some people have the mentality that since all they do is play video games, so they are supposed to have bad grades. I’m making sure everyone gets help if they need it using the TASC center. I’m really happy we have the research we have here to make the student successful. They always know I’m here 24/7 if they ever need any help with something. I have to make sure practices are going well and also make sure they are doing well in life because I want them to be successful outside of video games and be successful human beings.”
Q. How was the adjustment going from player to head coach in the past year?
A. “It was kind of hard, I think the biggest thing was changing the mindset. I had to go from being super friendly to realizing this is my job now, and I have to fulfill this job. In case someone does something wrong and I have to talk to them as well as punish them accordingly. I think that was the hardest transition. — Alex Madera
Q. What are some things you are doing to improve from last year?
A. “One of the things I have done is try to be with the players all the time, and just make sure they are doing good in school. I want to make them aware that being in the Esports room is a privilege, and is not something that you deserve, you earn the right to be there by doing what you are supposed to do; doing well in school, being friendly. It’s been going very well and I’m excited for the future of this program.”
