Anthony Affissio took over as head coach of the Elmira College Esports program during the Spring 2021 season and has since spent the past several years helping to hone the competitive and personal development of dozens of student-athletes. Under his leadership, the Soaring Eagles have grown into a respected, multi-title program that emphasizes preparation, accountability, teamwork, and competitive excellence. Elmira College competes across a wide range of esports titles, including Call of Duty, Rainbow Six: Siege, Fortnite, Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros., Valorant, and multiple EA Sports titles.
During the Spring 2022 season—just Affissio’s second full season at the helm—the Soaring Eagles enjoyed one of the most successful campaigns in program history. The Call of Duty team captured the program’s first-ever conference championship, while the EA FIFA team earned a championship runner-up finish. That same season marked the program’s winningest overall performance to date, with 65 percent of Elmira College esports teams qualifying for ECAC playoffs. Individual success followed, as six Soaring Eagles earned ECAC Player or Rookie of the Month honors.
In his first year leading the program, Affissio guided the Valorant team to the ECAC playoffs, marking the third consecutive season the team qualified for postseason play. He also mentored two Valorant student-athletes to ECAC Rookie of the Week and Player of the Week recognition. Additionally, Ryan Hardy ’23 became the first Elmira College esports student-athlete to earn Scholar Athlete of the Year honors in back-to-back academic years under Affissio’s direction.
A key component of the program’s continued growth has been Affissio’s commitment to leadership development and continuity. Two former standout student-athletes and team captains have transitioned into respected assistant coaching roles. Colin Conklin, the most decorated player in program history and captain of Elmira’s first conference championship Call of Duty team, now serves as coach for both Call of Duty and Valorant. Torin Nethaway, a former captain widely regarded as one of the most talented and knowledgeable Overwatch players of his era—achieving Grandmaster rank in both Overwatch 1 and Overwatch 2—now leads the Overwatch 2 program and plans to coach Marvel Rivals in the future. Together, they bring experience, trust, and strong player relationships that further strengthen the culture of the program.
Through continued competitive success, consistent postseason appearances, and a strong emphasis on mentorship and leadership development, the Elmira College Esports program has established itself as a positive and impactful presence both on campus and within the broader community. In May of 2025, the program was honored with the Chemung County Youth Bureau Award for 2024 Program Excellence, an award established in 1987 to recognize the special efforts of local youth service projects, programs, and events conducted by community agencies, schools, or faith-based organizations serving youth throughout Chemung County.
More recently, during the Fall 2025 season, the Soaring Eagles continued their competitive momentum, with half of their titles qualifying for postseason play. The Rainbow Six: Siege team finished third in its conference championship, while Call of Duty earned a second-place finish.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Affissio graduated from Keuka College in the spring of 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Organizational Communications. He recently completed his Master of Science degree in General Management from Elmira College. He resides in Horseheads with his wife, Jessika, their six children, three dogs, and three cats—along with his father, John, whom many Elmira College students recognize as the friendly evening pizza man in Dining Services.
An avid gamer since his youth, Affissio grew up on classic 8-bit titles such as Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda and remains deeply passionate about gaming today. His current competitive interests include EA FC 26, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Fortnite, and tactical shooters, though his true appreciation lies in expansive, immersive open-world RPGs. He continues to bring both lived experience and coaching expertise to a rapidly growing sport and looks forward to expanding the reach and impact of Elmira College Esports on campus and beyond.
