Masters Academy International Appoints Robert Skinnion as Director of Esports

Veteran Collegiate and Academy Esports Leader to Build Elite Developmental Program in Massachusetts

STOW, Mass. – March 6, 2026 – Masters Academy International (MAI), the premier integrated academic and athletic development institution, announced the appointment of Robert Skinnion as Director of Esports. A nationally recognized collegiate and academy esports leader, Skinnion brings more than a decade of experience building competitive programs, training infrastructure, and student-centered development systems.

In his new role, Skinnion will lead the launch and growth of MAI’s esports program, overseeing the development of on-campus training facilities, structured competitive pathways, and a comprehensive model designed to prepare student-athletes for collegiate and professional opportunities.

Skinnion most recently served as Director of Esports at Merrimack College and previously held leadership roles at SPIRE Academy and Assumption University, where he founded and built competitive esports programs from the ground up. His work includes developing dedicated esports centers on campus and establishing full-time academy-level training programs, widely regarded as among the first of their kind in the United States.

“Cracking the code to developing esports talent in a sustainable and holistic way that also includes education and professional development prior to the collegiate experience is a problem the esports industry hasn’t been fully successful with yet,” said Skinnion. “Masters Academy’s approach to student athletic development, coupled with its focus on academic outcomes, is going to be the benchmark for future developmental plans in esports.”

Skinnion has successfully placed student players into collegiate esports programs and has been recognized for building team-centered environments that emphasize both individual growth and collective strategy. His coaching philosophy focuses on dual development: elevating individual technical skill while cultivating team-based execution and leadership.

“Esports has grown into a global industry generating more than a billion dollars annually, which is why it was critical for Masters Academy International to identify a proven and experienced leader to build and oversee our program,” said Peter Masters, Co-Founder of Masters Academy International. “With Rob Skinnion leading the way, we’re not just launching esports at MAI, we’re establishing and investing in a long-term developmental model designed for serious student competitors who aspire to compete at the collegiate and professional levels.”

Beyond his institutional leadership roles, Skinnion has consulted on major esports infrastructure projects, including work supporting the relocation of Boston Uprising Academy to Massachusetts. He has presented on Youth Development in Esports at PAX East (Boston) and the Ultimate Gamer Expo (Miami), and he has appeared on multiple esports-focused podcasts and panels.

A Boston native currently residing in Boxford, MA, Skinnion holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He also serves as Program Manager for the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s digital literacy initiative, expanding access to technology and technical education across the Merrimack Valley and North Shore communities.
The MAI esports program will build strong ties to New England’s growing collegiate esports presence and major events, positioning students at the center of one of the fastest-growing competitive industries in the world.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International (MAI) is an elite boarding and day school opening in Stow, Massachusetts, designed to redefine the student-athlete experience. MAI prepares students to think, train and perform at professional standards by integrating pro-level coaching, top-tier academics, and comprehensive student development into one aligned model — ensuring students never have to compromise one for the other. The school is operated in partnership with Cognita, a global education leader with more than 100 premium private schools worldwide. MAI provides a structured pathway for students aspiring to compete at the collegiate and professional levels while excelling in the classroom and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Micah Osborne, Regan Communications on behalf of Masters Academy International, mosborne@regancomm.com.