Syracuse Sun

Emily and Stephen Kaplan noticed a change in their daughter, Isabelle "Izzy" Kaplan, during a visit to Syracuse University in March 2023. At that time, the university had announced a new degree program in esports set to begin in the fall of 2024. The Esports Communications and Management program is offered by both the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and the Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Kaplan was already interested in communications and enjoyed playing esports. The announcement of this new major piqued her interest further. Emily Kaplan remarked on her daughter's enthusiasm: “They were there when I was told about this program, and they saw how my eyes lit up.”

Now part of the inaugural class for this unique program, Izzy Kaplan is exploring three tracks within it: esports business and management, esports communications, and esports media and design. Currently, she leans towards the communications track while taking introductory courses under Professor Joey Gawrysiak.

Gawrysiak explained that Syracuse University's esports program aims to prepare students for various careers: “It’s about preparing them to have a very successful career by the time they graduate.” He previously developed an esports program at Shenandoah University before joining Syracuse.

Kaplan balances her studies between Newhouse and Falk Colleges with basic courses like Communications 117 and Principles of Sport Management. She shared her journey into esports: "I didn’t think about taking a career approach to it until about last year."

Her parents initially expressed concern over her gaming habits but later understood its potential for communication and networking opportunities. Kaplan also participates in developing a club team with hopes it becomes varsity next year.

Looking ahead, she sees her next four years as experimental due to the newness of the program but remains optimistic: "And I think it’ll be successful." This spring, Kaplan will take additional classes focusing on business aspects of esports under Gawrysiak's guidance.

For more information on the Esports Communications and Management program at Syracuse University, interested individuals can visit their web page.