CHICAGO – The Saint Xavier University athletic department announced Matt Paliganoff as the new Esports Coordinator Thursday afternoon. Paliganoff joins the Cougars after serving as assistant coordinator and Overwatch coach at Illinois Wesleyan University since 2022.

He is a graduate of Illinois State University (class of 2022). As a member of the Redbird varsity squad, Paliganoff helped the Overwatch team to a national ranking of No. 20. He began coaching in the Fall of 2022 at IWU, serving as assistant director and Overwatch coach. Paliganoff guided the Overwatch team to a No. 19 finish in the Overwatch Collegiate national tournament, and a high ranking of No. 18, in 2025. He also helped the Titans win the Great Lakes Overwatch Championship and the NECC Division II Overwatch Championship in the Spring of 2025.

"I am excited to be back in the Chicagoland area doing what I love," Paliganoff said. "I have done a great deal of work in my previous programs to grow esports. I am looking forward to taking SXU Esports to new heights with one-of-a-kind competition experiences and opportunities. I will be working from the ground up to make sure our student-athletes have everything they need to compete and achieve victory."
 
Athletics Director Ken Alston had this to say: "We are thrilled to have Matt join our coaching staff, and we are looking forward to what he can provide for the esports program. With his knowledge and experience, we think Matt can do great things in the esports arena."