DES MOINES, IOWA — Grand View University Esports is thrilled to announce the program's next League of Legends Head Coach Ethan "Iconic" Wilkinson. Ethan brings with him an extensive background ranging from professional play to collegiate championships.

Wilkinson joins Grand View after most recently serving as an Esports Graduate Assistant at Shenandoah University from August 2025 through August 2026.

A highly decorated jungler, Wilkinson was recruited by Maryville University in 2019 celebrating 1st place successes with the 2019-20 Harrisburg University Esports Invitational (HUE) Championship and later the 2023 NACE Championship among other wins and top performing outcomes over the years.

His success extended well beyond the collegiate level. After qualifying for the 2020 North American Scouting Grounds, Wilkinson signed with Golden Guardians and competed as the starting jungler for the team from November 2020 to November 2021 before competing with Golden Guardians Academy from December 2021 through May 2022.

At Grand View, Wilkinson will look to translate his experience into a team culture centered on a few key areas:
"I want to build a team that works hard together, trusts one another, and genuinely enjoys playing together," Wilkinson said. "If we can create that environment while continuing to improve throughout the year, I think the wins will take care of themselves."

Coach Wilkinson joins a Grand View League of Legends program that has established itself among the nation's top collegiate programs. The Vikings are coming off a historic 2025–26 season highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the 2026 College League of Legends National Championship, the best finish in program history.

"Bringing Ethan on as the Head Coach gives us the utmost confidence GV Esports will continue to see incredible performances," Esports Director Nathan Ragsdell notes. "Fourth place at nationals was great but I know the players and Coach won't rest until we win it all."