Meiste Tabbed as New Cleary Esports Head Coach

Howell, MI– Cleary University Director of Athletics Max Ballinger has announced the hiring of Avery Meiste to become the new head coach for the Cougar Esports program.

Meiste joins Cleary after having previously served as the Director of Esports at Defiance College from 2024-2025.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Avery Meiste to our athletics family as the new head coach of our esports program. His passion for competitive gaming, student development, and team culture stood out immediately,” said Director of Athletics Max Ballinger. “As esports continues to grow both on campus and nationally, we’re confident he will lead our program to new heights and create an environment where our student-athletes can thrive both in-game and in the classroom."

While at Defiance, Meiste oversaw the Yellow Jackets’ first action as members of the WHAC, competing in Valorant, Overwatch 2, and Rocket League.  He hosted and oversaw tournaments, and took his student-athletes to LAN tournaments.

“I’d like to thank Max Ballinger and the selection committee for giving me this opportunity,” said Meiste.  He continued, “I also want to thank all the people I’ve worked with prior, but I’d especially like to thank Riley Long at GVSU, and Dakota VandenToorn, for their mentorship and support.”

Prior to his time in Defiance, Meiste spent some time at his alma mater, Grand Valley State University.  He was first a game leader for Valorant before earning a promotion to club coach for one season, and was the program’s first ever varsity head Valorant coach for one season.  He also spent three years as the coach at Grand Rapids West Catholic High School.  

“I’m excited to get on campus and start making a positive impact on our student-athletes’ college experience. I’m a coach who’s deeply committed to creating a meaningful experience, and I look forward to helping this great group of student-athletes build lasting memories.”

As a player, Meiste specialized in Overwatch for the Lakers at GVSU.  He was named the Overwatch team captain in 2019.

Meiste is a native of Holland, Michigan, and graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2022 with a degree in multimedia journalism.