RECognition: Jennifer Kuei, Esports
Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff
By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director
Many students have their favorite go-to places on campus. Preferred spots to grab a coffee or matcha. Secluded corners in which to study (or, let’s face it, scroll TikTok).
One of Jennifer Kuei’s favorites is the Triton Esports Center. It’s where she works (serving as a TEC Lead), plays (on the Esports Overwatch 2 team as a substitute player), and finds community. While she does the bulk of her gaming in private at home, she’s always happy to jump into a game if her friends are there when she gets off shift.
“I maintain the scheduling and reservations while ensuring everything runs smoothly at TEC,” Jennifer says. “I love engaging with students around me who have the same passion and share the same interests.”
Jennifer, a third-year data science major in Marshall College, came aboard as a TEC Lead in March of 2025. She said the position “seemed like a chill job and it was convenient,” helped maintain a proper work/life/school balance, and was a nexus of her interests in gaming and competition; she played tennis in high school in Huntington Beach and still hits around with her former teammates whenever she’s home.
UC San Diego Esports features both competitive play — where formally organized teams play against other universities at competitions — and recreational play in the form of Open REC hours for students. Jennifer is a bridge between the two, as she competes and helps the Esports board whenever she can, but is also involved with the day-to-day operation and staffing of the facility. She’s also essential in running the new TEC2 location in Marshall College that opened on April 4, 2026.
"Jennifer contributes greatly to the gaming and esports communities on our campus through her role as an Esports Lead, a volunteer in UCSD Esports, and a student-athlete on our Overwatch 2 team,” says Esports Director Chris Griebenow. “She is a vital cog in this REC machine and continually works to expand her impact and take on new responsibilities."
She’s also involved with Yonder Dynamics, a student robotics organization that builds Mars rovers.
“I am personally on their Software Team, specializing in frontend,” Jennifer says. “It's definitely connected to my major since it allows me to use the skills I've learned in data science and apply them to a large project."
For anyone not familiar with esports, Jennifer says it's an inclusive (if often slightly misunderstood) environment, but can just be as demanding as other, more physical sports.
“It might not take as much physical strength as professional sports, but professional esports requires so much stamina,” Jennifer says. “Many pro players I know scrim/practice with their team for a minimum of 6 hours a day, not including practicing in their down times. Constant use of your hands, wrists, and even entire arm also runs a large risk of injury, such as carpal tunnel. But from what I know, all of these ‘drawbacks’ are still worth it because most people's passion overcomes them.”
The stereotype of the socially adjusted, reclusive gamer is also woefully out of date, too, she says.
“Sure, there will always be some people who will be exceptions, but a lot of my friends in esports/gaming, you could not differentiate them from someone who doesn't play games unless told otherwise,” she says.
Long story short, if you’ve ever thought about video games but don’t know where to start, head down to the TEC — or TEC2 — and give it a whirl.
“Just try it,” Jennifer says. “There are so many resources, even just at UCSD, and everyone is super willing to get you started and to share their passion!”
Jennifer will see you there. And who knows? Maybe the TEC will become your new favorite spot, too.
