Press Start on a New Era: De la Torre to Lead Beaver Esports

Monaca, PA — Penn State Beaver has announced the hiring of Juno De la Torre as the program’s Head E-Sports Coach, bringing a strong background in competitive E-Sports, student leadership, and higher education to the Beaver E-Sports program.

De la Torre, a native of Aurora, Colorado, was raised in the Washington County boroughs of Marianna and Deemston and currently resides in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University and is currently completing his master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education, with plans to graduate this May.

De la Torre brings hands-on experience developing esports programming at the collegiate level. During his time at Slippery Rock University, he worked with Campus Recreation as the Student Supervisor for the E-Sports & Gaming Lounge, playing a key role in the planning and expansion of the space to serve the broader campus community. In addition, he spent two years as a captain of SRU’s Valorant team, leading the squad to the Playfly Esports Championship in 2024. His competitive experience spans multiple titles, including Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, Madden, MLB The Show, Brawlhalla, and Super Smash Bros.

Beyond competition, De la Torre emphasizes the broader impact of esports in higher education, highlighting its ability to connect students from diverse backgrounds and foster meaningful relationships. His coaching philosophy centers on a holistic, student-centered approach that prioritizes wellbeing, inclusion, and personal development alongside competitive success.

“I am committed to creating environments where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential on the servers, on campus, and beyond,” De la Torre said.

Athletic Director Andy Kirschner expressed enthusiasm about the addition of De la Torre to the Beaver athletics staff. “We are very excited to welcome Juno to Penn State Beaver,” Kirschner said. “His passion for esports, combined with his background in student affairs and firsthand competitive experience, makes him an excellent fit for our program. Juno understands that success in esports goes beyond winning matches—it’s about building community, developing students, and creating a positive and inclusive team culture.”

De la Torre will begin working immediately to build and grow the Penn State Beaver esports program, with a focus on competitive excellence, student engagement, and long-term program development.

Please join us in welcoming Coach Juno De la Torre to Penn State Beaver Athletics.
For more information or interest in joining the team, contact Coach De la Torre at bbd5520@psu.edu or Athletic Director Andy Kirschner at ack121@psu.edu.