About Us

Empowering Gamers

Building a Thriving Gaming Community in Alabama

At Esports AL, we believe in the power of gaming to change lives. Our goal is to create a vibrant community where young people in Alabama can discover their potential through esports and technology. We provide fun and engaging programs that teach important skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. By blending competitive gaming with digital education, we open doors to exciting career pathways. Together, weʼre not just playing games; weʼre building the future leaders and innovators of our state!

Our Journey to Empowerment

Esports AL began with a simple idea: to harness the excitement of competitive gaming to uplift communities across Alabama. Our founders saw the growing interest in esports and recognized an opportunity to create a space where young people could connect, learn, and grow. From humble beginnings, we’ve evolved into a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide. Weʼve built programs that not only focus on gaming but also teach valuable skills in technology and teamwork. Our journey is fueled by our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for the next generation!

What We Stand For

At Esports AL, we believe in inclusivity, growth, and community. We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone can participate, regardless of their background. Our focus is on fostering teamwork and developing essential skills that go beyond gaming. We are dedicated to bridging the digital divide, making technology accessible to all. By promoting creativity and critical thinking, we empower individuals to explore new opportunities. Together, we celebrate diversity and inspire the next generation to reach their full potential in the digital age!

Jonathan 'Mark' Clark

Board President / CEO

Mark completed 22 years of active duty, retiring from the army in 2017. He started out as a UH60 Blackhawk mechanic before becoming an Army Aviator. Mark is an Army Aviation Subject Matter Expert with over 26 years of Aviation experience. Mark served in the US Army as a Battalion Standardization Pilot, Company Instructor Pilot, Instrument Examiner, Air Mission Commander, Flight Lead on the UH60 A/L/M helicopter. Mark graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Aeronautics. Mark has completed Project Manager Professional (PMP) and is a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO). Mark is also a co-founder of Wolfpack Consulting LLC, DiVRgence Entertainment, LLC, (Alabama’s largest virtual reality theme park), and this nonprofit Esports AL.Favorite game: Moon Patrol

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Courtney Zanol

Board Vice President /COO

Courtney completed 4 years of active duty as an Intelligence Specialist, honorably discharged from the Navy in 2014. She switched to the healthcare field in 2015 in order to be able to fulfill her passion for helping veterans. Courtney graduated from Southern Illinois University with two Master’s degrees, one in Health Administration, and the other in Health Care Informatics. Courtney currently specializes in program analysis for the Veteran Health Administration, and business operations for Esports AL.

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Julian Waddell

Board Treasurer / CFO

To fulfill his passion for entrepreneurial endeavors, Julian stepped down as the Chief Information Security Officer at Oakwood University to focus on being a Professor and consultant for early stage entrepreneurs. Well, that’s partly true. The more accurate reason was that he hadn’t had time to play video games for years because of his dedication to the job, so the moment he realized that he had significantly improved his organization’s security posture, he knew it was time to dust off the old ps4 and ride off into the sunset. Be it a grappling hook, a sound business plan or X-Ray vision, Julian works tirelessly to equip his clients with the tools they need to be successful with their businesses. If you do get an opportunity to meet this living legend in person, either ask him to tell you about the epic project he is currently taking on, congratulate him on his recent book release or challenge him to a game of Brawlhalla.
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