joined Florida Tech in 2021 as the first Director of Esports
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – After serving as the Florida Tech Director of Esports since 2021, Dana Hustedt is stepping down from her position. Florida Tech Director of Athletics Jamie Joss announces Danielle Sirekis as the next Director of Esports. Sirekis will begin her new post on January 29.
Hustedt joined Florida Tech in March of 2021 as the first Director of Esports.
“As I bid farewell to my time leading Florida Tech Esports, gratitude fills my heart for the shared challenges and triumphs encountered over the last three years,” Hustedt said.
“I depart knowing there will be a lasting impact on Florida Tech and its future in the esports space with what has been built.
“A sincere thank you to the Board for your investment in seeing the long-term value to the university, to our esports teams, student users of the center, staff, alumni, and community for playing a significant part in the success of the program.”
During this time, she’s led the Esports program to compete in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) and the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE).
This past fall, the Overwatch Team Crimson became the NECC division champions, the Valorant Team Black (JV) were NECC division runner-up, the Rocket League Team Black (JV) took third place in the NECC, and the Super Smash Bro’s Ultimate Team Black finished third in the NACE.
“We are excited to announce a new chapter in our esports program at Florida Tech. With Dana departing, we want to express our gratitude for her incredible work in architecting our tremendous esports program,” said Joss. “We are thrilled that she will continue to stay connected as a volunteer, ensuring her expertise and passion remain a part of our community.
“In addition, we are delighted to welcome Danielle to our team. With her experience in starting and developing an esports program at a like-minded STEM institution in Lawrence Tech, we are confident that she will bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to our program. Together, we are committed to fostering a thriving esports community at Florida Tech.”
Sirekis comes to Florida Tech from Laurence Tech, where she has served as the Esports Head Coach since November 2020.
A two-time finalist for the Director of the Year NACE, Sirekis built the varsity program at Lawrence Tech from the ground up, focusing on creating an inclusive community space with high-level competition. She played a role in bringing Esports into the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, as Lawrence Tech was one of six founding schools for WHAC Esports.
“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity of being named Director of Esports,” said Sirekis. “Dana and the Florida Tech crew have done a fantastic job creating and developing a well-established program. I look forward to building upon their success and further advancing the program.
“I’m eager to work with the talented individuals at Florida Tech to develop and foster community growth in the surrounding areas and Brevard County. Lastly, I couldn’t be more excited for the beautiful weather and moving to Melbourne.”
In her first season at the helm, Sirekis led the Blue Devils to a 21-19 overall record in 2021-22, including a 13-10 mark in the WHAC. Her squad finished in second place in both the WHAC Rocket League and League of Legends tournaments in their first season of competition while also competing in six other gaming titles, such as Valorant, Rainbow 6 Siege, Overwatch, Madden, Smash Bros, and Call of Duty. Lawrence Tech was also nominated for Program of the Year.
Under her tutelage, she produced the program’s first All-Conference first-team scholar-athlete in Rocket League, with four more earning second-team honors in various games.
In July of 2022, following a year on the Enforcement Eligibility Committee, Sirekis was selected to the Board of Directors for the National Association of Collegiate of Esports (NACE), an organization that is comprised of over 210 schools across North America. In August of 2022, Sirekis was named the WHAC Esports Committee Chair for the league’s eight conference members.
Prior to Lawrence Tech, Sirekis worked as a swimming coach, coaching and mentoring the Lake Orion Liquid Lightning and being the assistant swim coach for the girls’ team at Notre Dame Prep (Mich.).
Sirekis earned her Bachelor of Integrative Studies with a minor in Communications from Oakland University in 2014 and is currently working towards her Master’s in Business Administration at Lawrence Tech.
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