Blake Bernier Named Esports Head Coach at Bethel University

MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Bethel University Senior Athletic Director Brad Chappell announced Monday the hiring of Blake Bernier as head coach of the Bethel Esports program.

Bernier is a native of Columbia, Mississippi, and a graduate of Murray State University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Sports Communication. 

Bernier lives in Springville, Tennessee and has been a General Education Recruiter at Bethel  since April 2021. He will maintain that position in conjunction with the new head coaching  position.

Bernier commented, "My love for video games dates to the NES system with Mario Bros and has grown as the world of video games has evolved. I have spent countless hours watching and playing games under the esports label."  Bernier added, "I am excited to take on this new challenge to help guide our esports program into the future. I want to provide our student-athletes with a competitive environment in the classroom and in the arena. We have an opportunity to create something special at Bethel and I can't wait to get started."

Chappell said, "I am excited to add Blake to our group of coaches. He has great experience in the sport and  I am impressed with his enthusiasm.  A huge thanks to Dr. Josh Greer and Matthew Ellis to bring us to the position the sport is in now. We feel Blake will take us to even a new level."