Baylor Rocket League Surfs to Hawai'i Esports Invitational Title
Baylor esports secured the Rocket League title in the Hawai’I Esports Invitational, topping Boise State 4-2 in the Championship game on Feb. 15 in Oahu.
The Hawai’I Esports Invitational, presented by Zippy’s and organized by Vanta Esports, was hosted at the University of Hawai’i at West O’ahu, bringing together some of the top esports programs in the country. Baylor faced off with teams from the UH System, Michigan State, Syracuse, Grand Canyon and Boise State, sponsoring teams in Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
The surfboard trophy – designed by a Hawaiian artist – marks the first tournament trophy for the program.
Led by Colby “hockser” James, Andrew “Andy” Nolan and newcomer Kadin “Zineel” Zineelabidine, the Rocket League varsity roster is supported by substitutes Joe “JT” Tornari and Connor “pacman2022” Kelly, with Kelly additionally serving as the team’s manager.
After finishing second to the Broncos in group play dropping a tight 3-2 match, Baylor swept Michigan State 4-0 in the semifinals to set up a rematch with Boise State.
After digging an early hole in the opening game and falling into a 2-1 deficit, Baylor swung the door shut to secure the 4-2 win in the best-of-7 finals format.
Andy led the Bears on the attack throughout the HEI weekend tournament, scoring 11,932 points on 27 goals, 17 assists and 40 saves.
Zineel led in goals with 30, adding in 23 assists and 32 saves. Hockser rounded out the squad with 20 goals, 17 assists and 33 saves.
In addition to the competitions, Baylor student-athletes took part in a native Hawai’i fishpond restoration service project and a cultural exchange ceremony.
Baylor’s Rocket League squad continues to set the pace in Power Esports Conference play, holding an undefeated 11-0 record in the program’s inaugural season in the elite national conference.
Baylor Esports was formally established in 2025 with the hiring of Adam Stanley as the program’s first director and coach. For the inaugural 2025-2026 season, Baylor is sponsoring a three-person Rocket League team, with professional gamers Colby “hockser” James, Andrew “Andy” Nolan and Kadin “Zineel” Zineelabidine already making waves in the global esports community.
The varsity competition program enhances a longstanding gaming culture within the campus community, joining Oso Esports, Baylor’s gaming club that was established in 2017. Baylor Esports will continue to build partnerships with Oso as a development academy – similar to professional soccer academies – to train and elevate student-athletes for future varsity rosters in expanded gaming competitions.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.