New starter on the UMW esports team: John Mabry’s competitiveness drives him to win

by SIENNA SABIA

Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington’s esports program has a new member of the Call of Duty team this season. John Mabry, a senior studio art major, is participating in his first full season and has immediately found his place on the team. 

For Mabry, gaming has always been part of his life, starting from his childhood.

“I was the youngest of four, and my dad played games with us,” he said. 

Being the youngest meant a lot of losing when it came to video games, but those losses became something that would help him later in his esports career. 

“They would always beat me, and it would always make me extremely mad, and I would always internalize it,” he said.  

Instead of giving up, he used it as motivation, spending hours practicing on his own to finally start winning. That determination carried over into his esports journey. His shift from casual gaming to competitive play happened during the pandemic during which Mabry was inspired by friends to take his hobby to the next level. 

“When COVID hit, I was just like, ‘well, there’s nothing else to do,’” he said. 

Encouraged by friends who saw his talent, he decided to take things more seriously. Before long, he was making a name for himself in online competitions.

His journey with UMW’s esports team began when he took a summer course with esports personnel Drew Begley, a senior leadership and management major, who spotted his potential. 

“He made me show him what I could do, and then I sent him some clips,” he said. Impressed, Begley introduced him to Director of esports Mark Link, who offered him a spot on the team. 

Joining an established team can be nerve-wracking, but Mabry was not worried about his skills.

 “I knew what I could do,” he said. “I just didn’t know if I would mesh well with the other guys.” 

Mabry focused on blending in and bringing fresh energy to the team, taking it step-by-step.

Call of Duty, which is Mabry’s main focus, requires both quick reflexes, sharp strategy and clear communication with teammates, so team chemistry is essential.

“Your communication has to be perfect,” he said. “If not, your game plan falls apart, and suddenly, the other team has the upper hand.” 

Senior business administration major, and Captain of the Call of Duty team, Jakob Schroeder agrees that communication is key and gives a leg up on the competition.

“Communication is a massive factor during game day and practice,” he said. “While other teams have said we are the loudest on our game days, it’s necessary for both the energy of the team, and giving clear comms.” 

To prepare, Mabry follows a routine of warm-ups, strategy talks and listening to music to get in the right mindset before a match.

Managing both esports and academics can be tough, but Mabry has found a way to be both a focused student and a strong player on the team. 

“Since we’re student-athletes, student comes first,” he said. 

Even while growing up, his parents always made sure that school came before video games. 

“My parents told me, ‘Get your homework done first, then you can play games or go outside,’” he said.

That lesson has stuck with him, helping him manage school while still being fully committed to his team.

Last season, the team had a strong start, winning five games in a row before hitting a rough patch. They ended up placing fourth in their bracket but fell short of the championship. This year, Mabry believes they can go further. 

“We had a good shot last season, and I think we have another good chance this time,” he said.

Mabry’s impact on the team has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Schroeder sees his talent and good performance even as a rookie. 

“As one of the rookies on the team, he’s a solid player when it comes to game day and performs well,” Schroeder said. 

Even as a rookie, Mabry is already someone that his underclassmen teammates can look up to, says junior biomedical sciences major Max Lawton.

“He is awesome,” Lawton said. “Super encouraging, and a very helpful teammate. He shows up early and is ready, which I can aspire to be.”

One of the toughest aspects of competitive esports to Mabry is staying mentally prepared and taking the good days with the bad. 

“It’s kind of like a regular football or basketball game—you have good days and bad days,” he said. “You can come in feeling great, but if things don’t go your way, you have to stay locked in and push through.” 

Through the good and the bad days, Lawton says that Mabry’s focus on communication with clear and decisive shot calling keeps the team going. 

“Every game and every decision comes down to communication and working together,” he said. “Johnny has great communication that is always very clear and decisive. He makes sure everyone keeps up communication as well.” 

For Mabry, building mental strength is just as important as actual skill. 

“Staying prepared mentally is probably one of the toughest challenges,” he said.

Esports is a fast growing program at UMW, and Mabry sees a bright future for the entire organization. 

“Esports brings a lot of competition and energy,” he said. “Not everyone can play traditional sports, but gaming gives them a chance to compete at a high level.” 

Mabry hopes more Mary Washington students take advantage of what UMW Esports has to offer. 

“I think it’s going to grow a lot in the next few years,” he said. “I’m even trying to bring some of my friends here so they can keep the legacy going after we graduate.”

He always knew he wanted to compete but wasn’t sure how to get started. Now that he’s in the scene, he enjoys every moment, but especially winning.

“I love being part of a team and competing,” Mabry said. “Winning is what drives me. A lot of people don’t know this about me, but I hate losing. I don’t always show it, but at home, I’m constantly thinking about what I could have done better.” 

With the season underway, Mabry is more focused on the overall team success, than his individual standings. 

“I just hope the program keeps growing and puts us on the map,” he said.