Taylor Thimmesh, 24, is a sophomore at Johnston Community College (JCC). He is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, but moved to North Carolina at a young age and has been there ever since. Currently, he is pursuing his degree in computer science and will finish his bachelor’s degree at Concord University.
Thimmesh described JCC as his “second home”. “I was originally going to be getting my two-year degree and go into the world,” said Thimmesh, “It all changed when I learned about the esports program just starting. I tried out and made the Rocket League team, where we went on to place in the top eight during both semesters of my freshman season. After that, I began receiving offers from four-year universities and eventually committed to Concord University.”
Thimmesh spends five to seven hours a day playing and training in Rocket League. He is also taking a 21-credit hour course load while maintaining a social life in the college scene.
“I take pride in everything I set my mind to improving and carry that mentality everywhere,” said Thimmesh, “Being a part of my team has been amazing. There is nothing like sitting down with the same people daily and chasing your dreams. Not only that, they’ll all truly be friends for life no doubt.”
Because of Thimmesh’s role in esports, he was the first collegiate esports player to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with R3Vel & Vick Entertainment, LLC (dba R3V Sports).
“The first I had heard of an agency looking to sign college esports athletes was at a LAN put on by Stay Plugged In. I had finished playing the first day and was brought into a conference room where I met the owners of R3V. They talked about what they were looking for in players to represent and how they were helping college athletes to navigate the NIL sphere,” said Thimmesh, “It turns out that with my success in collegiate athletics and my decent social media following, I was the first player they reached out to and the only one they have signed. The deal allows my agent to reach out to brands on my behalf and procure deals and licensing agreements.”
Thimmesh explained that he receives the majority of any money made off of him and any exclusive merchandise that may drop with his branding. He said that having an NIL is truly a game changer.
“The NJCAAE has given me the opportunity to potentially change my life and I couldn’t be more grateful for that,” said Thimmesh.
Are there any stereotypes about gamers/esports that bother you and why?
“I think the common basement dweller stereotypes exist everywhere when thinking about esports athletes. I train and prepare just the same as any other college athlete. My generation of college athletes will change these stereotypes and I’m happy to be at the forefront of that,” said Thimmesh.
“I’m here to show that dreams don’t end unless you let them,” said Thimmesh, “Anybody can be in my position with the right mentality.”
Find Taylor Thimmesh: @wasdTaylor
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Written by Mia White
