CHARLOTTE, N.C. — October 9th, 2025 — The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the largest association of varsity esports programs at colleges and universities across North America, and Stay Plugged In, a leading game organization focused on providing educational and career opportunities to high school students, today announced a partnership to provide a pipeline for NACE member schools looking to recruit students for their collegiate program.
"We are excited to partner with NACE as we continue to provide placement for high school students looking for the perfect match with higher ed institutions " says SPIN Managing Director, Rick Suarez. "We look forward to working closely with NACE member schools to really help highlight and enhance the opportunities for students in the scholastic esports space.”
Through Stay Plugged In (SPIN), NACE member institutions will have access to educational programming on how to build sustainable & effective recruiting pipelines for their programs. SPIN will offer resources that provide both new and established collegiate programs with strategies for recruiting, coaching, and communicating effectively with administrators. Additionally, NACE members will gain discounted access to SPIN’s recruiting services.
Community and recruiting events, both virtual showcases and select in-person experiences, will create consistent touchpoints for students, parents, and coaches to connect directly with NACE member schools. These events not only highlight competition and skill but also give institutions the chance to showcase their programs to prospective students in meaningful ways. With NACE member schools actively participating in SPIN programs, this partnership will help bridge the gap for high school students and their families. Students will gain insight into the collegiate esports landscape and a clearer path toward higher education, while NACE member schools will benefit from stronger recruiting outcomes through deeper recruiting connections.
“We’re excited to partner with SPIN to expand the recruitment opportunities available to our member schools and create meaningful opportunities for high school students to connect with colleges and pursue higher education through esports,” said Riley Long, NACE. “By combining SPIN’s recruiting showcases, services, and insights into our leading effort in building the largest Varsity esports ecosystem in North America, we look forward to reinforcing a strong path from high school to college esports.”
Interested in exploring opportunities with SPIN? Reach out to Nick Suarez (nicolas.suarez@staypluggedin.com)
About NACE The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) is the largest and most established association of varsity esports programs at colleges and universities across North America. Founded in 2016, NACE supports 200 member institutions and more than 4,000 student-athletes, providing leadership, competition structure, and resources that help programs thrive. NACE is dedicated to the growth and legitimacy of collegiate esports, offering premier leagues, national championships, and strategic partnerships that enhance the student-athlete experience and promote success in education, competition, and future careers.
About Stay Plugged In Stay Plugged In is dedicated to creating educational and career opportunities for high school students through esports, CTE, and STEM programs. Established in 2020, Stay Plugged In has been named the leading esports recruiting platform in the U.S. for three consecutive years, generating more than $40 million in scholarship benefits for its student members. The organization fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for students of all levels—empowering growth, learning, and community through gaming.