“We undefeated!” the Laredo College Valorant team loudly declared before each match that led up to their final match of the season.
Well, after a hard-fought season with close calls and clutch victories, our Palominos triumphed with a decisive 3-0 victory against Brookdale Community College and are this season’s National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) National Valorant Tournament champions.
The team’s excitement reached a fever pitch soon after the win as they completed their long season as the undisputed and undefeated winners. Between the shouts and cheers of the team, friends and supporters, some joyous tears were shed after a long journey of practice and laser focus.
The National Champion LC Valorant Team members are:
As the Valorant team captain, Nieto proudly said that the confidence from their previous match carried over and the counter strategies for Brookdale Community College drove them toward the win. That isn’t to say that the match was easy, as he said he felt nervous during the first map but led by example in the second.
He highlighted the team’s performance on the map, Lotus, in which he and the team played aggressively in response to the strategies used by Brookdale. From adjusting flanking positions and coordinating swift retakes to balancing their in-game economy on key rounds, the match was a clear example of the numerous factors it takes to excel in a game like Valorant.
Amid each shot taken, spike planted, whiffs and one-taps, our LC Palominos played admirably throughout the best of five finals. The tension of each round mounted, but Palomino fans close to the LC Arena and in the NJCAAE Twitch comments sent their support throughout the match.
“I was extremely proud to be a part of this journey,” LC Director of Recreation and Esports Ivan Cano said. “After the win, I took a brief second to take it all in before joining the celebration. After seeing them put in all those hours of hard work and everything that they’ve been through over the last eight months has made this moment that much sweeter.”
During an interview with the NJCAAE caster, Garza said that the team spent hours rewatching and analyzing Brookdale gameplay for the counter strategies used. Concluding the live interview, the Palominos could be heard celebrating their well-earned win.
Their victory is not just a crowning achievement that recognizes the continued efforts they’ve put into Valorant but also a glowing example of how the LC esports program is a wonderful opportunity for students interested in a successful career within esports.
Reaching this level came with some tense moments, Nieto said. The semi-finals match saw the team lose the second of three map rounds. Player emotion and pressure was at an all-time high at such a pivotal moment of the tournament. Managing those frustrations amid a low point was key and as captain, Nieto needed to keep everyone locked into the next round.
Cano said the semi-finals match was intense despite the team stumbling in the first map. However, the team rallied to win the next two for a two to one victory. He lauded the team’s ability to bounce back which has been a defining trait this season. The talent and determination in clear view during each match gave Cano the confidence to know that they were going to win the national title the week before.
“This is just the beginning and it is clear they're paving the way for future success,” Cano said. “They're not just skilled players; they're a united force with a passion for the game and excellence.”
As the new player of the team, Nieto said he was both nervous and did not have the same level of confidence and swagger he has now. He said that he was new to the team and didn’t know how everyone played as a team but as time went on, they grew together and now their confidence is at the max level.
With local elementary, middle and high schools starting esports programs throughout Laredo, more students can start their journeys into professional esports with full support throughout their academic journey that culminates in an institution of higher education. Nieto encouraged every student to go for it if it is what they are interested in.
Cano said that the start of esports programs in schools hold immense value for our institution and the community alike. He added that esports encapsulate the holistic elements of traditional sports within a digital realm and considering that all five members of our Valorant team hail from Nuevo Laredo and Laredo, the potential impact of early exposure to esports within a scholastic setting is profound.
“With their national title, the team understands the importance of this accomplishment. They know how much it means for our program, Laredo College, the community and most importantly, the K-12 students who want to be a part of this great sport,” Cano said.