RICHARDSON, TX (07.31.18) - UT Dallas Director of Athletics Bill Petitt has announced the hiring of Greg Adler as the Comets' first-ever esports head coach.

Adler will take over the Comet esports' efforts upon his arrival to campus and be responsible for all aspects of the program, including coaching, recruiting and training. In addition, he will provide supervision and coaching at all practices and competitions while overseeing budget management, scheduling and monitoring of academic eligibility of the student-athletes. Adler will coordinate esports camps and have administrative support to participate in professional development activities in order to remain current and knowledgeable in relation to institutional and departmental compliance policies and procedures.

"Greg will be part of history as UTD's first esports coach," said Petitt. "He brings a passion and knowledge of both games we are launching this fall and I feel he will be a great ambassador of our university and will help us become a program that will be recognized globally."

A native of Holland, Pa., Adler earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Kutztown University in 2015, collecting cum laude honors. While at Kutztown, Adler maintained an active esports playing schedule,
competing at a high level in both League of Legends and Overwatch, the two games of which UTD will compete in the 2018-19 season.

"I am extremely excited to help develop the esports program within UTD," commented Adler. "The potential for success and growth is limitless and with the support the administration has shown, this program will become the premiere example of collegiate esports in the country."

Upon graduation, Adler formed the PMA League of Legends Championship Series, creating and running a ten-team, 10-week League of Legends Tournament. Since 2017, he has been a team representative with New York Excelsior in the Overwatch League.