FGC Athletics Announces Selection of New Esports Head Coach

LAKE CITY, Fla. – Florida Gateway College Athletics has selected former player and assistant coach Colby Thompson to be the new head coach of FGC Esports beginning in Fall 2024.

Thompson will take the reins from John Hartzog, who led the team for three years after building the program from the ground up. Under Hartzog's leadership, FGC Esports made an impressive mark on collegiate esports, facing NJCAAE teams from across the country and competing in multiple national tournaments. Hartzog helped establish FGC Esports as the thriving program it is today and became a mentor to many players, including Thompson.

"After our first game, I realized I wanted to do this for the rest of my life," Thompson said of his time as an FGC student-athlete. "Former Head Coach Hartzog saw the possibilities in our program and built an incredible foundation that will allow me to carry on the torch. I have high aspirations and even bigger ambitions for FGC's esports program. I can't wait to share our journey with you all, and I'd like to thank everyone who has helped us along the way."

As assistant coach last season, Thompson played a pivotal role leading the team to a regular season record of 18-6 in the Spring, with several players advancing to the post-season. He began his coaching career after wrapping up a successful playing career for the Timberwolves, making history as the first esports athlete signed at FGC and showcasing strong leadership skills as captain of the "Overwatch" team for two years. With his guidance, the team achieved an undefeated season in 2023 and emerged from the playoffs as national runners-up.

Thompson has several years of experience in the industry, specializing in first-person competitive shooters such as "Overwatch," "Valorant," and "Call of Duty," in addition to various other titles including "Super Smash Bros.," "Apex Legends," and "Rocket League." He won the FGC Wolf Award in the program's first year and achieved "Masters" ranking in "Overwatch" for multiple seasons as a student-athlete. He is an Associate in Arts Degree graduate of FGC.

To learn more about FGC Esports and all of Timberwolf Athletics, visit www.fgcwolves.com.