Baylor Esports Signs Colby “hockser” James to Inaugural Recruiting Class

Contact: Jonathan Q. Hill, Baylor University Brand Manager
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Baylor esports signed professional Rocket League player Colby “hockser” James as the program’s first-ever student-athlete recruit, esports director and coach Adam Stanley announced Thursday.

James, who most recently was playing professionally for the 9Lives team, has totaled more than $160,000 in career winnings over 78 tournaments since 2018, participating in multiple Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) events, including World Championships and Majors. 

“He's just a perfect fit for us,” Stanley said. “Incredible maturity for his age. He's got wisdom, he's got drive, he's got integrity. You look at his entire professional career, and he's seen as a glue guy. He's one of the good guys. He's exactly what you want as a cornerstone in a culture that you're building – brand-new program – exactly who you want to build a culture around.” 

A perennial presence on top-tier North American Rocket League teams, James is recognized for his mechanical skill, adaptability and control, often referenced by aspiring players looking to emulate his gameplay. 

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., James relocated to Dallas in 2023 for his professional gaming pursuits.  

After his most successful earnings years to date over the last two seasons – totaling nearly $100,000 in earnings – James has opted to pursue an undergraduate education in mechanical engineering at Baylor and will lead the inaugural Baylor Esports Rocket League competition team.

Baylor Esports was formally established in 2025 with the hiring of Adam Stanley as the program’s first director and coach. For the inaugural 2025-2026 season, Baylor is sponsoring a three-person Rocket League team, with the two remaining spots on the roster to be announced soon.

Baylor Esports adds to a longstanding gaming culture within the campus community, joining Oso Esports, Baylor’s gaming club that was established in 2017. Baylor Esports will explore partnering with Oso as a development academy – similar to professional soccer academies – to train and elevate student-athletes for future competition rosters in expanded gaming competitions.

Baylor continues to evaluate offers from several leading esports conferences and associations. The competition schedule is expected to run for eight weeks in the fall and eight weeks in the spring, with the full competition schedule to be announced later. 

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.