Riverdale, NY - Phil Stern, the University of Mount Saint Vincent's Associate Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, is proud to announce the hiring of Anon Rowland as its new Head Esports Coach, effective on July 21. Rowland's background and experience in both traditional athletics and competitive gaming will help elevate UMSV's second year program to new heights, beginning in the fall of this year. 

"We are thrilled to have Anon join the Dolphins family," Stern told UMSVAthletics.com. "His experience in building an Esports program at the University level aligns him with our vision for Esports here at UMSV."

"I am very excited to be hired by UMSV. When I first got involved in Esports, I always wanted to build a program from the ground up and here I get the opportunity to do that," stated Rowland. 

Rowland served as Head Esports Coach at Caldwell University in New Jersey prior to making his way to Riverdale. Rowland oversaw more than 30 players across six competitive titles - including NBA 2K, Overwatch, Rocket League and Valorant, among others - with responsibilities including organizing practices and match schedules, tracking team performance, and maintaining the Esports lab's technical infrastructure while continuously growing in terms of roster size and victories under his leadership. 

"My goal for the next few years is to recruit students to compete in multiple Esports titles. I want the Esports program here to be a place where high school players aspire to play at one day," Rowland continued. "I hope to not only recruit exceptional Esports players but also outstanding students to the school."

Before entering the collegiate Esports realm, Rowland built a strong foundation in youth sports and recreation in Roswell, Georgia. As Athletic Supervisor for the City of Roswell (2017–2023), he managed over 60 teams and coaches in various sports while simultaneously growing participation by more than 150 athletes. His earlier work as a Recreation Specialist further displayed his abilities, with Rowland working as a supervisor for athletic activities, in addition to handling game day operations and customer service.

Rowland graduated from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies while being a four-year member of the college's baseball program. Rowland went on to earn his Master of Science in Gaming and Esports Management from Post University, graduating with honors in 2023.