CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Following a national search, Lesley University Director of Athletic Dan Campagna has announced the appointment of Ibo Rivera as Head Coach of Lesley's brand-new eSports program, set to launch later this academic year.

Rivera joins the Lynx from Putnam Science Academy where he was the founder of their eSports program.

"I am excited to join Lesley University and build the eSports program," said Rivera. "I look forward to working with the captains, students, faculty and staff to create a competitive, and educational environment for our student athletes. "

At Putnam Science Academy, Rivera guided his squad to a pair of Connecticut State Championships in Rocket League. The team ended the 2022-23 season as the National Runner-Up in Rocket League with an overall record of 64-4. Rivera also coached players in Overwatch, Apex and Valorant with his Overwatch and Apex groups earning Runner-Up honors in the Eastern Region while his Valorant group ranked in the Top 30 in the Eastern Region.

Coach Rivera is no stranger to the collegiate athletics world, having played four years of basketball over tenures at UConn – Avery Point and Mitchell College. Rivera started his basketball career at Avery Point where he ranked fourth in the conference in rebounds before finishing his career at Mitchell.

While at Mitchell, Rivera helped lead the Mariners to the 2018-19 NECC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Division III tournament as well as Runner-Up honors in the NECC in 2019-20.

"Lesley is ready and eager to launch the varsity eSports program under the direction of Ibo Rivera and we couldn't be more excited," said Campagna. "Ibo stood out in a deep and talented candidate pool with a vision to grow in a space that we haven't been a part of previously. His pedigree in this space paired with his background as a student-athlete made him a natural fit for this role and I'm looking forward to watching the program develop under his direction and leadership."

Rivera graduated from Mitchell College in 2020 with a degree in Business Administration. In addition to being a member of the Men's Basketball program, he also served as a leader on campus with roles as a resident assistant and event organizer.