FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2, 2025
The National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD) Announces New Executive Director:
Connor Alne
Des Moines, IA. – The National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD) has named Connor Alne
as the next Executive Director, the national office announced on Thursday. Connor succeeds Dr. Jay Prescott, who
has been instrumental as the founding Executive Director since 2017 alongside Dr. Jason Bauer. Dr. Prescott will
continue his involvement with NAECAD as Chairman of the NAECAD Board, while Dr. Bauer will serve as Assistant
Chairman of the Board.
Dr. Prescott expressed his enthusiasm about the transition, stating, “It has been a privilege to serve as the
Executive Director of NAECAD over the last seven years after founding the association with Dr. Bauer in 2017.
Jason and I have had the privilege to watch NAECAD form, evolve, grow, and thrive over those seven years, and
we believe Connor is the best person to lead NAECAD going forward. Connor’s dedication to NAECAD’s core
values of integrity, serving, diversity, and influence aligns perfectly with our mission. His contributions over the last
two years have significantly enhanced our organization, and his leadership will continue to embody these values as
we move forward.”
Connor Alne, who has served as the Director of Membership Success for the last two years, brings a rich
background in scholastic esports. His journey began at the University of Iowa, where he not only founded the
esports club but also hosted pioneering events. Post-graduation, he spearheaded the Braves Esports program at
Ottawa University, Kansas, developing a state-of-the-art facility and program. His commitment extended into high
school esports, where he served as the Commissioner of the High School Esports League. Connor’s influence in the
community is further evidenced by his social media presence as “Coach Alne,” his recognition at the 2020 Esports
Awards, and his authorship of “100 Jobs in Esports.”
Dr. Jay Prescott, with over thirty years in education, has been pivotal in shaping NAECAD. His academic journey
includes degrees from Westmar College, Drake University, and the Harvard Institute for Educational Management.
He has served in various roles from high school teacher to Vice President for Student Affairs at Grand View
University, where he and Dr. Bauer launched the first esports program at the University.
Dr. Jason Bauer, with his background in educational leadership and sports coaching, was integral in building Grand
View University’s esports program and founding NAECAD. His experience as a Division I basketball player and
coach added depth to his role at NAECAD, where he has focused on training and development, understanding the
transformative role of coaches and directors in students’ lives.
Since its inception in 2017, NAECAD has been the leading professional organization for competitive esports at all
levels, from high school to collegiate. The mission of NAECAD is to serve, legitimize, and advance competitive
esports, placing its members at the heart of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. Its vision is to
elevate esports to be recognized as a prominent competitive sport, guided by well-trained NAECAD members.
As Connor Alne steps into his new role, his commitment to “Equipping to Lead” promises to drive NAECAD towards
greater heights, ensuring that the association continues to empower its members to excel and innovate in the rapidly
evolving world of esports.
The National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD – pronounced Nay-cad), founded in 2019, is the primary professional organization
for competitive esports coaches and directors at all levels of competitive play (club, high school, college, and professional). NAECAD strives to serve,
legitimize, and advance competitive esports at all levels with NAECAD members at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional
development. NAECAD’s vision is for esports to be viewed as a prominent competitive sport with highly trained NAECAD members leading the
professional development, growth, and quality of competitive esports. Visit naecad.org to learn more about NAECAD.