Lone Tree Senior Earns Esports Scholarship

Nic Bowman will continue his Valorant career at Marshalltown Community College.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lone Tree High School senior Nic Bowman has earned an esports scholarship to Marshalltown Community College, where he will compete in Valorant. Bowman was a standout player for the Lions, helping the team capture the 2025 Class 1A Valorant state title. He chose Marshalltown due to their strong communication and support throughout the recruitment process.

Why it matters

This marks the first time a player from Lone Tree's esports program has earned a college scholarship, a significant milestone for the small school's competitive gaming efforts. Esports scholarships are becoming more common as colleges recognize the value of skilled players.

The details

Bowman, considered a top prospect, was previously named to the Esports Portal Top 100 Class of '26 in the United States. Lone Tree's esports program focuses on games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, and Valorant, with Bowman excelling in the latter. Despite being one of the smallest schools in Iowa to field an esports team, Lone Tree frequently competes against and beats larger schools.

  • Bowman will head to Marshalltown Community College next fall to continue his esports career.

The players

Nic Bowman

A senior at Lone Tree High School and a standout player for the school's esports team, helping them capture the 2025 Class 1A Valorant state title.

Lone Tree High School

A small high school in Iowa with an impressive esports program that competes against and beats larger schools.

Marshalltown Community College

The college Bowman will be attending on an esports scholarship to continue his Valorant career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've gotten multiple offers from all kinds of colleges, but Marshalltown really stood out with their communication, and they always check up and see how I'm doing and everything.”

— Nic Bowman (kciiradio.com)

“They have gotten really good, where like in some aspects of the game, they're even a bit better than me. I really do appreciate my teammates for putting in the time and effort.”

— Nic Bowman (kciiradio.com)

What’s next

Bowman will begin his esports career at Marshalltown Community College in the fall of 2026, where he will focus on Valorant.

The takeaway

Lone Tree High School's small but mighty esports program has produced its first college scholarship recipient, demonstrating the growing opportunities for skilled gamers and the increasing recognition of esports as a legitimate path to higher education.