HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc., is now the Official Gaming Peripheral Partner of Stephens College Esports. As sponsor, HyperX will provide the team with professional-grade gaming gear including headsets, keyboards, mice, microphones and more. HyperX also will equip the team for console expansion, allowing players to use their controllers for longer playtime.
Adrienne McIntire, head coach of Stephens College Esports, said the seed for the collaboration was planted when Gisselle Benitez ’23 (in-game name Laplios), Stephens’ in-game leader and main tank, won a BroadcastHER scholarship and toured the HyperX facility in Las Vegas. After meeting Benitez, a HyperX senior staff member followed Stephens College Esports on Twitter, and McIntire followed up with a message to see if HyperX was interested in becoming a partner.
“The interest was pretty immediate,” McIntire said. “HyperX asked us what we needed to expand our program, both now and in the future.”
As home to the country’s first esports program at a women’s college, Stephens is an innovator in promoting women through all ranks of the esports industry, which makes it a great fit for the HyperX’s commitment to inclusive gaming.
“The HyperX motto is WE’RE ALL GAMERS, and they’re living by their motto,” McIntire said.
“It’s so awesome to have HyperX as a sponsor this year. I’m so excited for all the improvements our team will get to make, and I can’t wait to play,” said Madison Fister ’24 (in-game name Applejuce), who will transfer to Stephens this fall.
“When I started in spring 2020, the Stephens Esports team had eight players,” McIntire said. “This fall, we’ll be nearly doubling our numbers, and having this extra support will allow us to grow even faster, because students coming in won’t have to wait for us to build up their platforms.”
“HyperX is thrilled partner with Stephens College Esports as their Official Gaming Peripheral Partner and support the growth of collegiate esports at the country’s first all-women’s varsity esports program,” said Kitty Nguyen, HyperX esports sponsorships specialist. “The next generation of esports superstars, game designers, and future gaming program advocates is likely incubating in programs like theirs, and HyperX couldn’t be prouder to support this new wave of talent with professional-grade gear to enhance their gaming experience and give them a competitive edge. HyperX appreciates being part of this experience and we are excited to align with their program.”
Stephens Esports was established in 2016 at Stephens College, the second-oldest women’s college in the country. The program awards scholarships to members in all areas of interest, from competitive and casual players to production staff members and more. The program’s goal is to give students real-life experiences in gaming, from scholarships and interactions with industry professions to internships and job opportunities. Aligning with historic strengths of the women’s college in developing leaders and experiential learning across disciplines, the Esports program recently developed a concentration in Esports Management in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students enrolled in this program are gamers and women who see the future of Esports and want to help shape it.
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