William Garetto-Balmer was selected as the first head coach in NMU esports history in May of 2020.
In 2021-22, NMU picked up wins in League of Legends against Marietta college and SMSU.
In their first season of action in 2020-21, the Wildcats upset No. 22 Kansas State University 2-1 in League of Legends action.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to expand Northern Michigan University's esports program," Garetto-Balmer said. "I aim for the program to be able to compete with the elite of the collegiate esports world. I grew up in a traditional sports background all my life and I love the thrill of competition. When I discovered the esports scene, my passion to compete led me to where I am now — committed to making an impact wherever I am given a chance. I would like to thank everyone that I have worked with previously for helping me get to where I am now and thank Northern Michigan University for the opportunity. Go Wildcats!"
Garetto-Balmer most recently served as coach of the Purpose Gamers Plat & Red Team. With that program, he managed all aspects of the team, including player recruitment, competition and practice scheduling, and competition management.
In 2019, Garetto-Balmer coached the Grim Legion Team. From 2017-19, he led the Western Michigan University esports program. At WMU, he rebranded the League of Legends RSO team into a full esports program and helped raise $500,000 to build an esports arena. He also founded four new esports for the WMU program.
Garetto-Balmer boasts an overall League of Legends coaching record of 129-56 and a League of Legends Blue-Side mark of 74-22
Before his time at Western Michigan, Garetto-Balmer coached boys tennis and bowling at Marist High School in Chicago.
A 2019 graduate of Western Michigan, he earned his bachelor's degree in business management. While attending WMU, he also was a member of the Men's Club Volleyball team.
