Humber’s Valorant team is facing elimination end but there is hope in one last game to decide the fate of their collective playoff dream.
The team thought their playoff aspirations died a few weeks ago until they reviewed the criteria showing they have one last game to qualify.
Morale was low following a mix-up which put their NACE playoff hopes to bed but it was soon cleared and the team became a contrast to their woeful selves.
A seasoned Humber esports Valorant varsity team member, Arthur Gaudio, is among the players rejuvenated by the news.
“Everyone got hyped instantly, we were sad about that loss because we thought we were done, but when the news came the hype came back with it. Now we need to keep our focus for the last one. It’s time to win,” he said.
The Humber Valorant team enter its final NACE game with a 3-3 record to determine their playoff standing.
A mixture of rookie and veteran experience make up this teams intrepidity.
Tia Kelsey exemplifies this most in her first and last season with the team bringing plenty of Game Changers experience with her.
“I played in Game Changers for nine months, which was very different from collegiate,” Tia said.
“I’m looking forward to making a good name out of myself in the esports community and having more continuous experience,” she said.
Tia joined in November and is one of the many roster changes undergone by the team since the season's inception.
Lina Shim, Humber’s esports varsity team lead, says the amount of roster shuffles has prevented the team from hitting its potential.
“I would say their coordination has improved but there are still some aspects of that and their communication that can be better,” Shim said.
Roster changes are not the only drawbacks, but the team is aware of this in preparation for the qualifying match.
Tia said she would like to work on her mid-rounds and omen plays while Arthur said building chemistry and mental fortitude are highest on his list.
Their preparation mentally and mechanically is fundamental as they bring on Health and Wellness Coach Lanvy Nguyen to assist in perfecting their form.
“I just did a sleep hygiene and time management workshop (with them),” Nguyen said.
“Just giving them more tools to put in their toolkit,” she said.
Nguyen reminds the team that performance isn’t the main indicator for good mental health which is a strong component to professional Valorant itself.
“I think our players are a lot tougher than they think they are. And I will say that they're a lot more resilient than they think they are. So watch out,” she said.
Their preparation gives them confidence in their abilities and garners respect among their peers.
“I think they can definitely make playoffs,” Shim said.
Once Humber realizes this dream, Shim believes their determination will carry them forward.
“I think achieving the playoff spot can remind them of what they wanted with this team way back in the fall semester,” she said.
Aspirations are high despite the call to improve. The Valorant team all have eyes on qualifying and winning games in the playoffs.
“I hope that we can make it far…to keep up good mental. We are only in one league, so focusing on this is a big deal,” Tia said.
Humber’s opponents, the University of South Florida Gold Team, are in the same predicament as Humber, finding themselves in a do-or-die situation.
Preluding the biggest match of the season for both teams, Arthur has stern words for the university.
“Be ready, it’s do or die. We will have no mercy,” Arthur said.
Watch the match here at 7 p.m. E.S.T. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
