Expanded focus on building players for US representation in IESF global competition 

(Atlanta, Georgia – December 7, 2023) – NASEF welcomes esports training and development expert Bethany Pyles to its staff in order to build a solid foundation for elite U.S. esports competitors. The United States’ presence in international esports competition is growing through the United States Esports Federation (USEF.GG), which is managed by NASEF. Just a few months ago, USEF.GG sent top-ranked US athletes to compete in the World Esports Championships. All competitors had a strong showing, and the CS:GO Female team brought home the bronze medal. 

In the coming year, USEF.GG will expand operations and athletes will compete in more events. Bethany will play a pivotal role in the development of USEF.GG and its players. She will support NASEF leadership in the development of USEF.GG’s operations & management, as well as implementation of USEF.GG qualifiers, Pan American Esports Games, and IESF or other World Esports Championships. She will work closely with players as she oversees onboarding and development of and management of national players / athletes / teams to play and compete in local, national, regional, and international tournaments and competitions. 

In addition, Bethany will be a key NASEF team member, developing esports academies that support player / athlete development, performance, and holistic well-being. She will also design professional development workshops and trainings for players in USEF.GG and educators in NASEF that focus on the intersection of gaming, esports, sports, and education. 

"Embarking on this journey with NASEF as the Player Development Specialist fills me with great enthusiasm. I am honored to contribute to the NASEF’s growth and committed to the development, expansion and execution of the USEF.GG, the Pan American Esports Games, and prestigious events like the IESF and other World Esports Championships. With great pride, I look forward to onboarding and nurturing national players, athletes, and teams, while celebrating their successes on national, and international stages."

Bethany has a strong history both in the esports industry and with NASEF specifically. As the Program Director for Connected Camps and NASEF, Bethany spearheaded the development of the groundbreaking virtual high school esports coaching program in 2018. She collaborated closely with UCI Esports to support tournament operations and competitive opportunities for students. 

With NASEF, Bethany co-authored and delivered dynamic training sessions for the Microsoft Esports Teacher Academy (META) and developed the Coaching Modules in the NASEF x Skillshot Academy. Her expertise in coaching and education allows her to effectively train and mentor teachers, enabling them to build successful esports programs in their respective institutions.

At the*gamehers, Bethany drives the collegiate initiative dedicated to empowering collegiate esports players, coaches, and educational institutions through community, competition and industry resources. As Coaching Director at Cloud9, Bethany played a pivotal role developing the transformative “Training Grounds.” A testament to her innovation and dedication to diversity, Bethany orchestrated the inaugural women's Apex Legends open tournament at HER Galaxy. 

Collectively, these experiences honed her ability to maximize player potential, strategize for success, and foster a supportive and competitive team environment. 

“NASEF and USEF.GG are fortunate to expand our player development and support with someone who knows the esports training industry so well and who is already part of the fabric of NASEF,” said Gerald Solomon, founder and executive director of NASEF. “We’re thrilled to welcome Bethany back to our team and to focus on human development in both the professional and academic aspects of esports.” 

About the United States Esports Federation 

Through the United States Esports Federation, NASEF provides opportunities for elite esports athletes to represent the U.S. in international tournaments. USEF.GG incorporates NASEF’s vision to develop athletes who are game changers in the esports world, emphasizing core values of learning, opportunity, community, diversity, and respect. USEF.GG, like NASEF, operates under the umbrella of the 501(c)3 non-profit World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation. Find USEF.GG at USEF.gg.

About NASEF: Game. Grow. Learn. Lead.

NASEF is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire STEM/STEAM-based skills and critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. NASEF operates under the umbrella of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The International Esports Federation has entrusted NASEF with training and supporting its 130+ member federations as they undertake development of scholastic esports programs. Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Media Contact: Claire LaBeaux, [email protected]