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Our Team

  • David Kirk

    David Kirk

    • Director of Redbird Esports
      dkirk@IllinoisState.edu
    • Responsibilities include the development, coordination, and administration of all Esports varsity, club and recreational activities and serves as a member of the Student Affairs leadership team.
    • BS from Indiana University. MS From Illinois State University. Joined the department in 2020.
  • Jack Blahnik

    Jack Blahnik

    • Esports Program Manager
      jmblahn@IllinoisState.edu
    • Responsible for the development, coordination, and administration of all Redbird Gaming club programs and services provided through the Department of Redbird Esports. In collaboration with the Esports Program Director, assists in the overall management of all esports and gaming activities.
    • BS and MS from Illinois State University. Joined the department in 2020.
  • Michael Lyman

    Michael Lyman

    • Esports Graduate Assistant
      vpsamslyman@IllinoisState.edu
    • Responsible for the hiring and supervising of all Redbird Esports Network coordinators and event operations. In collaboration with the Esports Program Manager, assists in the coordination and administration of Redbird Gaming clubs and the Redbird Esports Discord server.
    • BS from Illinois State University. Joined staff in 2022.
  • Megan Lomonof

    Parker Lewis

    • Overwatch Head Coach
      palewi1@IllinoisState.edu
    • Responsible for the recruiting of high-level, academically eligible student-players and their development through coaching Overwatch. Manages Overwatch tournament participation and the scheduling of scrimmages and official matches.
    • BBA from Maryville University, joined staff in 2023.
  • TJ Bjorklund

    TJ Bjorklund

    • League of Legends Head Coach
      tdbjork@IllinoisState.edu
    • Responsible for the recruiting of high-level, academically eligible student-players and their development through coaching League of Legends. Manages operations of the Varsity League of Legends for the Redbird Esports Department.
    • BS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Joined Redbird Esports in 2022.
  • Zach Dell

    Zach Dell

    • Rocket League Head Coach
      zdell@IllinoisState.edu
    • Responsible for the recruiting of high-level, academically eligible student-players and their development through coaching Rocket League. Manages Rocket League tournament and league participation and the scheduling of scrimmages and official matches.
    • BS from Carnegie Mellon University, MS and PhD from Ohio State University. Joined Redbird Esports in Fall 2022.