Of course it was the match scheduled to end the event. The North American Overwatch rivalry tilt between the United States and Canada. Both teams filled with monster talent and most of whom are good friends and some, teammates in the Overwatch League. These two teams would take to the stage not only for North American pride, but personal pride as well. Yet, standing a ways back from the stage at the Blizzard Arena in Burbank, CA., is Team USA Head Coach Aaron “Aero” Atkins. Atkins appears stoic, introspective and doesn’t seem that concerned with the rivalry–he’s focused on how his players are performing. And when USA finally won the match 3-1 with a huge stop of the payload on Rialto, Atkins smiled. That would be the end of the celebration for the coach as he knew there was not much time to prepare for the World Cup Finals, taking place at BlizzCon from Nov. 2-3 in Anaheim, CA.

“I’m proud of these guys,” Atkins said exhaustively. “These guys have put in a lot of work since the start of the Overwatch League and to come together and play with a group they haven’t played with but for a short time is remarkable. I’m really happy. We haven’t much time.”

The newly minted Head Coach of the United States journey into the elite coaching ranks of the Overwatch League and World Cup started back in 2016 when he took on the role of head coach for the club team at Kansas State University’s Overwatch team in October of 2016. From there he would make stops at 20 Tick Gaming, Immortals, and Team SoloMid, seeing moderate success. In 2017, he started to hit his stride.

That experience coupled with being a former sports athlete would see the blossoming of a career.

“All of the coaching experience I gained coming up through the ranks was absolutely necessary in making me who I am today,” Atkins related. “I was an athlete in high school with a fairly high ceiling, but injuries forced me to stop playing. Starting where I did coaching and knowing what it feels like to be an athlete and dealing with those feelings associated with being hurt has really helped me understand players on many levels.”

In 2017, Atkins would coach a FNRGFE squad that would finish 3rd/4th in Season 1 of the North American Contenders League and then in his most notable tenure would take Fusion University’s team to an Overwatch Contender’s Season 2 championship.

“I learned a lot with those guys,” said Atkins about his former players. “Those guys are hungry and really want to play in the league (OWL).”

And when the 26-year old landed his first OWL head coaching job with the Dallas Fuel this past season, replacing Kyle “KyKy” Souder just before Stage 4, Atkins had come full circle.

“I was so excited to get the nod, but at the same time knew there was a lot of work to do having been with the Fuel for a little while before,” Atkins explained. “I appreciate everything KyKy had done, but I needed to make some changes and create the culture I felt was necessary to succeed.”

Those changes were immediately noticed by his players, staff, and organization. It was the impetus behind becoming the head coach for the United States Overwatch World Cup squad. He is a tough, but fair coach and commands the respect of the players. He does this through a savant like level of understanding the mind and actions of these young players. Atkins has had to take on many roles.

“The hard thing is that you really need to be everything to everyone,” Atkins opined. “While the management of the Fuel makes it so much easier for me, I still have to take on the roles of coach, psychologist, counselor, and father figure at times. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. There is a life after esports and while that is our absolute focus right now everyone will have a post esports career. I really hope I can help with that by showing them what hard work, trust, caring, and teamwork looks and feels like.”

Atkins, at age 26, coaches players with a range from anywhere between 18-25. Normally, that would be a disadvantage for young head coaches as players that are similar in age may believe that they know more about how to train, play the game, and more. But there is something about Atkins that projects an aura of competency and command.

“I want my players to know a few things,” a weary post-qualification Atkins says. ” I will always be prepared and make sure they have the best scouting reports on their opponents. My staff and I will do are absolute best to create the best training and practice atmosphere there is currently in OWL, but most importantly, I want them to know that they are cared about.”

Looks like Team USA is in good hands.

The United States will face a tough United Kingdom team Friday, Nov. 2 at 12:15pm PST in the first round of the Overwatch World Cup Finals.