Hi, my name is Bri Tilleman. I’m from Havre, MT, and I am a marketing student at UM, set to graduate in the fall of 2025. When I was exploring colleges, UM was my first choice because Missoula has always felt like a second home.
But even with the familiarity, I had a big worry: would I find a place of belonging once I started? The thought of moving away from my hometown and starting fresh was both exciting and intimidating. Fortunately, I found a community where I felt at home.
My Background with Video Games
Ever since I was a child, gaming has been part of my identity. As I grew older, gaming became more social. During my teenage years, I rushed home from hockey practices to play Overwatch, immediately hopping online with friends. Every match was a rush, and victories felt even sweeter because I shared them with people I cared about.
Hitting Top 500 on the leaderboard was one of my proudest achievements. It wasn’t just about rank, but about proving to myself I could compete at a high level. The late-night laughter, rivalries, and triumphs created memories that felt impossible to replicate once I left for college.
Finding Grizzly Esports
"From that point on, my college experience changed forever."
During my first weeks at UM, I was nervous about whether I’d find “my people.” My freshman roommate encouraged me to check out Grizzly Esports at one of the campus tabling events. At first, I was hesitant; I didn’t think I was good enough to join. But I decided to give it a try.
I nervously walked into the tryouts, heart pounding, expecting to be cut before things even started. To my surprise, everyone who showed up made the team, and somehow, I landed a spot on the Varsity roster. From that point on, my college experience changed forever.
My Competitive Experience at UM
I’ve now competed in Overwatch for eight semesters, which still amazes me when I think back to that first tryout. At the beginning, my team wasn’t stacked with high-level players. I was ranked the highest among us, and playing against powerhouse esports schools like the University of Hawaii and William & Mary often felt like being a fish out of water. But those challenges forced me to grow, not only as a player but as a leader.
Over the years, my team improved and gained confidence. I’ll never forget the satisfaction of beating Big Sky Conference rivals, including Northern Arizona University, the University of Idaho, and of course, our biggest rival, Montana State University. Last semester, my team even placed fourth in the NECC Overwatch Nationals Bracket, which felt like a huge milestone for us.
Strangely enough, my biggest competitive successes came outside of Overwatch. I have loved the Super Smash Bros. series since I was a kid, so I joined that team for a year. That year turned out to be incredible, and I won an NECC first-place title and even earned a Big Sky Conference trophy against Idaho. On top of that, I competed in Rocket League, earning two medals at Montana’s Big Sky State Games.
What the Community Means to Me
The four years I’ve spent with Grizzly Esports have shaped me into the person I am today. Beyond improving as a competitor, I’ve discovered who I am, clarified my goals in school, and built friendships that will last a lifetime.
Clutching a win in a high-stakes match is exhilarating, but the best memories aren’t always from the games. They’re from the moments in between late-night food runs, casual rounds of Mario Party, and being honored as the best woman at my best friend’s wedding. These experiences made college feel like more than just classes and exams. They created a family.
"These experiences made college feel like more than just classes and exams. They created a family."
It’s More Than Just the Game
One of the coolest aspects of my journey is being recognized as a scholarship athlete through Grizzly Esports. I still find it remarkable that such an opportunity exists in Montana. Even more inspiring, these scholarships aren’t awarded based purely on in-game skill; they're given to students who actively give back to the community. To receive a scholarship, students must participate in two charitable events per year.
The first one I participated in was Can the Cats, a friendly rivalry between UM and MSU, where students compete to donate the most food for those facing food insecurity. Our esports program supports the cause by organizing show matches, with all stream donations going to Can the Cats. In the spring, we participate in Extra Life, a 24-hour live-streaming marathon, where proceeds benefit Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena.
This last year, I was fortunate to serve as the Marketing and Event Planning Intern, overseeing both events. I got to plan, prepare, and execute the details, while also running our team’s Instagram page. It was the perfect opportunity to put my Marketing degree into action, learning not just about theory, but how to engage audiences, manage events, and work under pressure. It gave me a sense of purpose beyond gaming and helped me envision my career after graduation.
Looking Back
"Video games brought me here, but the community is what made me stay."
Reflecting on my time with Grizzly Esports, I realize that joining wasn’t just about playing games; it was about belonging, growing, and giving back. I started as a nervous freshman who wasn’t sure she’d fit in, and I’m leaving as a confident graduate with friendships, leadership experience, and professional skills that will carry me forward.
Request more info about Esports.
Email: esports@mso.umt.edu
Catch games live on our Twitch!
https://www.twitch.tv/umt_esports