Johnston County Student Helps Lead NC Wesleyan Esports Program After Grant Boost

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — A Johnston County student is among those benefiting from the rapid growth of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s esports program, one year after a grant from Brightspeed helped expand opportunities for players.

Lamont Taylor, an NC Wesleyan student and esports competitor from Princeton, said the program has opened doors both in competition and career development.

“This program has changed what I thought was possible for me,” Taylor said. “We’ve been able to compete at a higher level and represent our university on bigger stages. It’s not just about gaming. It’s about learning technology, teamwork and skills that will help us in our future careers.”

University officials said the grant from Brightspeed, a fiber broadband provider, allowed the Bishop Gaming Association to upgrade equipment, improve streaming capabilities and support team travel to national competitions.

The team competed in events including the UPA Championship in Arlington, Texas, and the Peach Belt Conference in Florence, South Carolina, gaining broader exposure and experience, according to Chantoni Grant, the university’s esports director.

“Future students now have access to professional-level equipment and experiences that mirror the real esports and digital media industries,” Grant said.

North Carolina Wesleyan, a Minority Serving Institution, serves students across central and eastern North Carolina, including many from rural and economically distressed communities.

Company officials said the investment is part of a broader effort to support education and technology initiatives across the state as North Carolina marks STEM Education Month in April.

“This program shows what’s possible when technology, education and opportunity come together,” said Sabrina Anderson, a local marketing manager for Brightspeed.

University leaders say the esports program is expected to continue growing as more students pursue interests in gaming, technology and digital media careers.