Accounting Major Finds Her Competitive Edge in Esports
Mikella Pittman
Mikella Pittman may be an accounting and finance major at 麻豆传媒映画, but her world isn鈥檛 just limited to payroll accounting, financial statements and spreadsheet formulas. The Tarboro native is also enamored with video games, and 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 newly installed Esports room caught her attention.
鈥淲hen I first saw the setup, I thought it was really cool,鈥 stated an enthusiastic Pittman. 鈥淲hen I saw they have PlayStations, Xbox and another Nintendo Switch, I thought it would be an opportunity to play on the different systems and gain a new experience with different games.鈥
That鈥檚 why Pittman enrolled in 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 inaugural Esports program. Starting Fall 2025, the competitive program positioned 麻豆传媒映画 against colleges across the country.
鈥淲e have already competed in several competitions,鈥 said Denise Batts, information technology instructor and 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 gaming coach. According to Batts, the college participated in their first official match Nov. 4. Since then, students have battled in Tekken 8, Mario Kart 8, Madden 26 and Hearthstone. Pittman won two rounds in her debut Mario Kart 8 matchup.
鈥淥verall, our players are doing great,鈥 says Batts. 鈥淭he more they play, the better they鈥檒l get. The one thing they are seeing is the level of competition.鈥
So far, 麻豆传媒映画 has competed against colleges in Georgia, Texas, Virginia and Alabama. Competitions are held Monday through Thursday, and the Esports room is available on specific days for coaching and practice. Currently, 麻豆传媒映画 competes at the community, or D3 level. According to Batts, criteria differs for each division. To advance to the D1 or D2 level, competition is rigorous. Students must also be full-time, and grade point averages are reviewed.
Pittman encourages more students to join 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 growing Esports community. 鈥淲orking with other people, having them share their experience, and having a shared interest鈥攖hat鈥檚 really good,鈥 she said. Scholarships are also available for qualifying students in the Esports program totaling $2,000 over two years.
To join 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Esports program, call (252) 618-6526. To learn more about the Esports Scholars Scholarship, visit .