Graceland University Esports has gotten off to a good start in the team’s inaugural year. So far, the Graceland League of Legends team is 3-0 in their Iowa league tier. They have had impressive finishes against Kirkwood Community College, Northwestern College and the University of Iowa Team Black.
“We’re competing really well in our tier, and we’re looking forward to challenging some real powerhouse teams,” said team sponsor Jared Doty. “I think we’re on track to be one of the top teams in Iowa this year, and we’re fielding some of the best players at the collegiate level in Iowa.”
According to Doty, the team is playing well at all three phases of the game, a good sign this early in the season.
“We’ve been really good at the early phase, and our competitors have struggled to identify bans that hurt our play,” continued Doty. “We’ve gotten way sharper in mid to late play and punished other teams that have been too aggressive or too timid at various stages.”
The team is anchored by this year’s seniors, Christain Purcell, Alex Young and Nate Sowers, and Travis Aldrich and Jared Connell have been standout additions to the squad this year as well. They look forward to matches with Grandview University, Waldorf University and Iowa’s gold squad in the coming weeks.
Continue to watch our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates on Graceland Esports.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
April 10, 2026
Graceland University and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.
Press Release
April 6, 2026
Graceland University is proud to announce that Stassi Cramm, PhD, Prophet-President of the Community of Christ and a distinguished Graceland alumna, will serve as the keynote speaker for the University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the Morden Center
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 13, 2026
Graceland University is saddened to share the passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen, a respected nurse scientist, educator, and member of the university’s Board of Trustees whose life and career were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
