Team Overview
Who we are
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Core Values
Integrity
Integrity
Serving
Serving
Diversity
Diversity
Influence
Influence
Our Sponsors
Meet Our Team
Dr. Jay Prescott, Executive Director
Jay is the Executive Director of the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD). The NAECAD’s mission is to serve, legitimize, and advance competitive esports at all levels with NAECAD members at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. Jay has spent the last thirty years in education. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Westmar College, a Master of Science in Education from Drake University, and his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University. Jay also attended the Harvard Institute for Educational Management (IEM), Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Institute for Graduate Education in Cambridge, MA. Jay spent ten years as a high school teacher, guidance counselor and coach, eight years as a high school principal and the last seventeen years as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Grand View University. He is currently the Midwest Region Director of Talent Advancement for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Dr. Jason Bauer, Associate Director
Dr. Jason Bauer helped build the esports program at Grand View University and served as the Assistant Executive Director. Jason brings an excellent combination of educational leadership, professional development, and coaching experience to NAECAD. As a former Division I basketball player and coach, Jason has served in varying capacities developing athletes, coaching staffs, and programs. He has a tremendous passion for training and development, understanding the significant role directors and coaches play in impacting the lives of student/athletes.
Cole Prescott, Chief Operating Officer
Cole is the Director of Esports at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and has led that program since its inception in 2019. Before taking up leadership of the esports program at Northwestern College, he earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from Northwestern College and worked in IT support for a time. In his time as an esports director, Cole has coached two NAECAD All-Americans, hosted virtual & on campus esports camps for high school & middle school students, and hosted esports clinic sessions on various topics such as Effective Esports Film Review, Esports Facilities & Equipment, Student Development Strategies, and Student Discipline & Program Culture.
Connor Alne, Director of Membership Success
Connor "Coach" Alne has played an integral part in the development of scholastic esports. Connor first got involved in esports while achieving his bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa. During his time as an undergrad, he worked with RedBull to bring the first esports event to campus, started their esports club, and spent his free time hosting his own events. After graduation, he was brought out to Ottawa, Kansas, to lead the development of the Braves Esports program. Under his management, they built a state-of-the-art esports facility and successfully recruited students from all across the country. He then set his sights on high school esports, becoming the commissioner of the High School Esports League and helping to bring esports to thousands of schools. He even spent 3 months in an RV, traveling the country and building esports labs for 25 high schools. Throughout his career, he also built a social media following under the name Coach Alne, teaching about esports; was recognized at the 2020 Esports Awards; and published a book entitled "100 Jobs in Esports." Connor now brings his experience to NAECAD with the hopes of supporting the hard-working coaches, teachers, and directors that make this all possible.
Cody Daniels, Director of Marketing
Cody is the NAECAD Director of Marketing and NGame Media's Founder. Cody supports NAECAD's marketing efforts, social media, and newsletter. Cody also supports NAECAD events by capturing video and photo content. His company creates and manages social media for various organizations dedicated to esports and video games. He is passionate about building relationships and bringing people together to create opportunities.
Brad Elmitt, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Brad is the newest member of the NAECAD team to lead strategic initiatives that bring value to members and elevate its industry profile. Brad's background of leading marketing strategy in a variety of industries brings a unique perspective and skillset to the team.