"The NAECAD National Convention altered the trajectory of my career. I was able to connect with scholastic esports professionals who later became mentors, peers, and a support system when I decided to pursue this path as a full time career."

"NAECAD provides a lot of the elements a coach or director needs regardless of their past. The community in NAECAD is super supportive of everyone involved as we all have shared struggles. At NAECAD, college teaches K-12 and K-12 teaches college."

"I continue to return to NAECAD because it is one of the most valuable spaces for learning, sharing knowledge, meeting peers and partners, and celebrating the successes of others in the field."

"NAECAD has provided me connections to some of the best minds in the industry. Those connections helped me guide my Valorant team to their first ever top 3 finish and our SSBU team to an MVEC Championship win!"

"What sets NAECAD apart for me is the networking. Connecting directly with other coaches and directors allows for real conversations about what’s working, from program development and player engagement to competition structure and sustainability."

"NAECAD has consistently genuinely invests in developing leaders at every level of this industry. Whether you're an assistant coach just finding your footing or a senior executive with decades in the space, they meet you where you are and push you forward from there.

"NAECAD brings together people who care deeply about doing this work well and are constantly refining how they lead, build, and support their programs. That environment pushes me to be more intentional and thoughtful in how I approach esports."

"I joined NAECAD to become the best esports coach possible. Between the incredible professional development and the chance to connect with a nationwide network of coaches, joining was a no-brainer!"

"Without NAECAD, I would not be where I am today, and I would not be able to serve my students in the same ways. NAECAD was my first opportunity to make connections with others in the industry and learn from some of the best and brightest how to elevate both my program and myself."

"Being part of a community that is so collaborative and forward-thinking is a big reason I remain actively involved. Through NAECAD, I’ve gained valuable insight and guidance that has helped me continue building and improving my program in ways that best support my students and grow my professional network."

"The conferences, courses, and panels that NAECAD offers for professional development are second to none in the esports landscape. Beyond that, NAECAD provides networking opportunities for coaches and directors around the country to connect with each other and share advice and wisdom in ways you don't find anywhere else."

"They say that teachers need to be stimulated every few years in order to be reinvigorated into their work. NAECAD provides that opportunity and has given me space in my career where I can be a part of something that is fresh, new, and exciting all at the same time."

"NAECAD has been instrumental in the development of my esports network, and it is the national leader in coaching and director development and support. The shared knowledge from scholastic programs and industry partners within the organization is incredibly powerful."

"I have been with NAECAD since its inception. I continue to be part of NAECAD to connect and collaborate with other leaders and meet people in the space that I typically would not run into. The national events are very enjoyable and bring tons of value to your esports program."

"NAECAD has been a lifeline for my professional growth as an esports coach. Between the deep dives at the summer conference and the steady stream of high-quality learning resources, I’ve gained the tools necessary to build a sustainable program, and connecting with a national network of peers has been invaluable."