Casella joined the Vikings as the Program Director in the Fall of 2022.
Casella has 16 years of Esports experience, with backgrounds in several Esports communities. Specifically, Casella has served as a Super Smash Bros. Tournament Organizer at Ignition, the largest local in the world. He has a background within that community as a personal coach, event organizer, commentator/broadcaster, and competitor. He has run tournaments in other communities including League of Legends and CounterStrike: Source.
"We are thrilled to welcome Peter Casella as the Director of Esports," said John Born, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management. "Peter's experience within the industry as well as his commitment to North Park, proved to be a perfect match. The oversight of not only our varsity Esports teams, but the development of the new gaming center will be in great hands under Peter's leadership."
Casella is a second-generation North Park University alum, with roots dating back to the fall of 2006. He received his MBA and BA in Media Studies from North Park in 2010 and 2014, respectively, and will complete his MA in education this December.
"I am grateful for this opportunity to converge my career and my passion and I'm proud to be taking on this role for North Park University," said Casella. "The kindness and dedication of my colleagues provides a culture that I am excited to experience and enhance, and I thank God for this chance. I'd like to thank John Born, our Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management, Ingrid Tenglin, our Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, and President Surridge for this opportunity and their assistance through the process, and I'm looking forward to bringing a new aspect of the athletics world to North Park."
Recruiting for incoming student-athletes will begin immediately, with competition to start in Fall of 2023.
