Dillon “MLBD” Kleinvehn will be joining Ball State University as the first graduate assistant of its Esports program, where he will also serve as the first-ever head coach of the Ball State League of Legends team.
Kleinvehn, who will be studying Secondary Education, is set to join the University in the Fall 2021 semester.
“We are so excited to have Dillon join our program,” said Dan Marino, the Director of Esports for Ball State. “He not only brings the skill and game knowledge required for us to compete at a high level, but he shares our vision for what a collegiate esports program can and should be and for a new program. That is invaluable.”
Prior to joining Ball State, Kleinvehn was a standout collegiate League of Legends performer at Miami University. As a player, Kleinvehn has reached the rank of Challenger, putting him in the top .02 percent of the game’s player base.
Kleinvehn also has experience as an esports broadcaster and analyst for high-level League of Legends broadcasts.
“I have spent the last four years competing as a player in both amateur and collegiate competitions. Throughout that time, I began to understand the passion and dedication required to master League of Legends at a high level,” Kleinvehn said. “I am so excited to begin my journey at Ball State University and hope to translate my passion for education into full-time coaching.”
Ball State began its varsity esports program as part of its College of Communication, Information, and Media in January 2021, becoming a founding member of the Esports Collegiate Conference.
The University opened its state-of-the-art Esports Center in April of 2021. This multi-use facility houses the esports program and will serve as a cutting-edge classroom beginning in the Fall 2021 semester.