Coach Winkler is entering his fourth season as the Head Competitive Gaming Coach at Truett McConnell University. In Fall 2023, Winkler received federal orders to support Border Patrol in Arizona and served for 15 months along the Southwest Border Mission as a U.S. Army Soldier. Returning in Spring 2025, he resumed his role leading TMU’s Competitive Gaming program with a renewed sense of discipline and professionalism.
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Winkler has brought a high level of leadership and structure to the Esports/Competitive Gaming world, drawing on his service in the South Carolina Army National Guard. His military training as an Engineering Officer includes advanced work with military drone technology, and he will continue his military education by completing the Captains Career Course in July 2026. He is set to advance from First Lieutenant to Captain in October 2025.
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Since taking over the program, Winkler has guided the Bears through a rapidly evolving esports landscape, forming partnerships with organizations such as AVGL, GEL, Stride, and NACE Starleague (now PCL). He continues to innovate with emerging technologies, including the integration of AI into team training and development.
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Originally from a competitive gaming background, Winkler has long been passionate about both video games and tabletop strategy games. His favorite titles include the Halo Trilogy, Legend of the Dragoon, and Dragon Age: Origins, while his tabletop favorites include HeroQuest, Dungeons & Dragons, and Warhammer 40k. He and his wife, Ayana, enjoy gaming together and are looking forward to welcoming their first child in Fall 2025.
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Before beginning his coaching career, Winkler competed in wrestling at Iowa Central Community College, where he was a member of the 2012 National Duals Wrestling Championship Team. He later attended Midland University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration while competing on the wrestling team and helping establish the foundation of Midland’s competitive gaming program.
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Winkler plans to pursue his master’s degree at Truett McConnell University while balancing his coaching and military careers. He remains committed to using competitive gaming as a platform to share his faith and glorify God.
