The Lead.
Marion Technical College announced today that Pillar Credit Union has renewed its sponsorship of the MTC esports team and the Esports Arena in Bryson Hall, continuing a partnership that has helped establish Marion Tech as a pioneer in collegiate esports.
"Gaming is inclusive — there's something for everybody, and anyone can get involved," said Daniel Bradshaw, chief marketing officer of Pillar Credit Union. "Marion Tech has become a pioneering community college for esports, and this is exactly the kind of thing that happens when strong institutions come together to do something big for the community."
Pillar Credit Union Invests in Marion Community Through Esports
When Pillar first became a sponsor, the investment was rooted in a commitment to the Marion community.
"Our original goal was to invest back into the community and attract students from outside the county to come together around esports," Bradshaw said. "But when we came to the ribbon cutting, we realized this was more than just a fun activity — the team had real competitive potential, and the excitement in the community around the facility was something we hadn't fully anticipated."
Marion Tech Esports Team Builds Championship Success
The 2025 Rainbow Six Siege team displays their championship rings.
The excitement has only grown. Marion Tech competes in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Under the leadership of Esports Coordinator Hana Cornell, the Marion Tech Esports team won a Rainbow Six Siege Tournament in 2025.
This follows the Valorant championship title in 2023. Troy Thrush, the 2023 captain, was offered a scholarship to play Esports when transferring to earn his bachelor’s degree.
The 2023 Valorant Championship Team
“With Pillar’s support, our Esports players find community and opportunities,” Cornell said. “Esports teaches teamwork, strategy, calm thinking, and problem-solving. It also builds community.”
Collegiate Esports Opportunities Continue to Expand at Marion Technical College
The games offered vary each year based on student interest. Past teams have included League of Legends, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Overwatch 2. Most recently, Marion Tech fielded a Rocket League team. Cornell is recruiting players for the fall season.
Harding High School’s Esports team also uses the space each week.
“We are so appreciative of the investment in our esports program,” said Mike Stuckey, director of the Marion Technical College Foundation. “We could not offer our esports program at the current level without Pillar as a valued partner.”
From left to right: Dr. Amy Adams, Marion Tech; Daniel Bradshaw, Pillar; Eryn Gilmore, Pillar; Hana Cornell, Marion Tech; Ellen Messenger, Marion Tech Foundation Board of Directors; Mike Stuckey, Marion Tech Foundation; Dr. Ryan McCall, Marion Tech president.
Pillar Credit Union and Marion Tech Focus on Future Growth
Looking ahead, Bradshaw expects the partnership to keep building. "We expect more rings, more banners, and more success," he said. "The team and the space will keep improving, and we want to keep building this as a true pillar of the Marion esports community."
Pillar Credit Union Supports Financial Success for Marion Tech Students
Beyond esports, Pillar Credit Union offers Marion Tech students checking accounts, credit-building loans for those with no credit history, and assistance with first car and home loans — helping students establish a financial foundation with a local institution.
"We appreciate Pillar Credit Union's continued investment in our students," said Ryan McCall, president of Marion Technical College. "This partnership creates richer opportunities — not just competitively, but for our students' long-term success."
About Marion Technical College and Pillar Credit Union
Marion Technical College serves more than 3,800 students. For more information on the MTC Esports program, visit mtc.edu/esports/.
For more on Pillar Credit Union, visit pillarcu.com.
