William Penn eSports team loses inaugural Rocket League match

The Statesmen fell 3-1 to Central Methodist in Heart of America Athletic Conference play

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The William Penn University eSports team kicked off its inaugural Rocket League season on Thursday with a 3-1 loss to Central Methodist University in Heart of America Athletic Conference competition.

Why it matters

This was the first official match for William Penn's new eSports program, which is part of a growing trend of colleges and universities adding competitive video game teams. The loss highlights the challenges the young Statesmen squad will face as they look to build a successful eSports program.

The details

In the match, William Penn was unable to overcome Central Methodist, dropping the contest by a 3-1 score. The Statesmen are in their inaugural season of Rocket League competition as part of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

  • The match took place on Thursday, February 9, 2026.

The players

William Penn University

A private university located in Oskaloosa, Iowa that has recently launched an eSports program, including a Rocket League team.

Central Methodist University

A private university located in Fayette, Missouri that competed against William Penn in the Rocket League match.

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The takeaway

William Penn's loss in its inaugural Rocket League match highlights the challenges new eSports programs face as they work to build competitive teams and programs. However, the university's investment in eSports aligns with a growing trend in higher education, suggesting the Statesmen have an opportunity to develop a successful program over time.