Inside the Academy of Esports

James O’Hagan is a leader in connecting and promoting esports in education. He has had a role in starting and growing esports teams in two large urban school districts. He actively promotes esports as being a medium to something more for students beyond the games. His podcast, The Academy of Esports delves into topics surrounding esports and education and connecting into powerful ideas to increase student agency, motivation, and college and career pathways. James is a doctoral candidate at Northern Illinois University in the field of instructional technology and a mostly retired rugby player.

Author & Columnist at Ritual Motion
Monica Miller is an independent consultant, freelance writer, and researcher who specializes in gaming and esports. Drawing from her unique experiences as a hardcore gamer, Monica has transferred her in-game skills to real-life by helping colleges and universities create esports programs from the grassroots level. With passions for health and wellness and education reform, Monica also makes personal contributions to equip others with the tools they need to inspire positive change in their lives.