HARTSVILLE, S.C. - Coker College Director of Esports Joseph Rudy announced the addition of Stephen Gifford-Reis to the 2018-19 roster. Gifford-Reis is Coker's second esports signee and joins Michael Ponton on the squad.

"I'm very excited to have Stephen joining our team," said Rudy. "He is our first League of Legends player and I'm thrilled our first player for the game is someone of his skill level."

Gifford-Reis is from Worcester, MA., where he attends North High School. He is a member of the football team, Collegiate Success Institute, and the National Honors Society for the Polar Bears. In addition, Stephen has excelled in the classroom, being named to the honor roll as an AP student. As a Cobra, Stephen will play at the jungle position in League of Legends.

Stephen is the son of Victoria and Alberone Gifford-Reis.

About Coker Esports

Gaming is more than a hobby — it represents community, competition, and passion. Accordingly, Coker College is moving to the forefront of collegiate esports with a varsity team under the Coker Athletics department and unparalleled opportunities for students to take their skills to the next level.

Coker College's inaugural varsity esports team will begin DII competition in the fall of 2018. The college is now recruiting talent for the following 2018-19 rosters:

• League of Legends — a competitive, team-based strategy game

• Overwatch — a multiplayer game of modern warfare

• Hearthstone — a fast-paced, turn-based online card game

To learn more, please contact Coker College's director of esports, Joseph Rudy or fill out a prospective student-athlete form. Additionally, if you'd like a more detailed description on Coker esports, click here.