ADRIAN, MI - Siena Heights University is adding a new sport to its athletics program that involves controllers and screens.

The college announced on Dec. 6 it is adding a competitive gaming, or "eSports," program to the Saints' athletics department.

Around 18 players are expected to fill out the roster when the program launches in fall 2018, school officials said.

It will be a scholarship sport, officials said.

A special committee conducted a feasibility study in the fall and found an eSports program would have a positive impact on athletics, academics and student life, officials said.

"We believe that adding eSports would be a good addition to our campus and community," said SHU President Sister Peg Albert in a release. "We must make sure we execute it in a manner to make students successful on the playing field, on campus and in the community. According to our research, we are at the beginning of a movement for small colleges and universities to add eSports to their campus."

The university will invest an estimated $180,000 in technology and facility upgrades, as well as personnel to begin the program, officials said. The school is applying to be members under the National Associating of Collegiate eSports, officials said.

The exact kind of games students will play is still being decided, said Doug Goodnough, director of marketing and communications. The school will not allow the eSports team to play "first person-shooter" games, Goodnough said.

The search for a head coach and coaching staff has already begun.

Siena Heights University currently offers 21 men's and women's programs. It is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.