The NCPA college tournaments are unlike any other competitive paintball being played anywhere else. The air at these events is filled with comradery and positivity that breeds an atmosphere unrecognizable to other tournament goers. Simply put, there is something more here than your average NXL or local tournament, something that is indescribable and palpable in a way you can only experience by being there.
Despite the atmosphere and the fact that many of the teams just enjoy being there, these are paintball tournaments. Winning is important. Texas A&M was no stranger when it came to winning, securing a second-place nationals finish along with a string of victories starting in 2013. I arrived on campus late in 2015 and since then have competed in eight NCPA tournaments.
Eight tournaments played, eight tournaments won.
The Collegiate National Championship, the World Cup of college paintball, or what players commonly refer to as nationals will be held later this month in Kissimmee, Florida. Texas A&M is getting ready to defend our title while knowing there’s a target on our back. Every team is going to give us their best. Every match is going to be challenging. For myself, the lead up to this event will be beyond the realm of anything I have had to do before as it will be my last college tournament ever. Every tournament won before would be all for naught with a misstep here. Although I am faced with the possibility of the worst, this tournament also brings with it the possibility of leaving behind a legacy. Nine tournaments. Nine wins. Zero losses. Back to back National Champs. A fairy tale ending.
Devon Stuart
Number Thirty Four | Texas A&M