MEET OUR TEAM!
Emily Ludwig ’16
MAS, LAT, ATC
Senior Director of Recreation Services
Education:
- Masters of Applied Science in Sport & Fitness Management – Missouri Western State University
- Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training – Emporia State University
- Bachelors of Science in Health Promotion – Emporia State University
Certification:
- Certified Athletic Trainer – National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification, Inc.
- CPR/AED Instructor – American Red Cross
Ludwig leads the Recreation Services and Esports departments as the Senior Director of Recreation Services. Arriving on campus in the fall of 2017, she previously worked as the Fitness Center Coordinator and as the Director before beginning supervision over both departments in the spring of 2022. Ludwig oversees the operations and management of all recreation programs and facilities, including but not limited to the Baker Family Fitness Center, Disc Golf Course, Esports Arena, Looney Complex, Thomas Eagleton Indoor Pool, and Griffon 360.
Ludwig is a product of the Emporia State University Athletic Training and Health Promotion programs, earning her bachelors degrees in 2011 and 2012. She then came to Missouri Western as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer (Volleyball and Men’s Basketball) and received her masters degree in Sport and Fitness Management in 2016.
During her time as an athletic trainer, Ludwig worked at the Division 1, 2, and NAIA levels. She continues to serve the community and provide sports medicine coverage.
Emily and her wife Kaci live in Saint Joseph with their two dogs Finley and Dezy.
Alec Mueller
MBA
Director of Esports
Education:
- Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management – Ashland University 2024
- Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration – Ashland University 2020
Mueller heads the Esports program as the Director of Esports. Before arriving on campus in the summer of 2024, he previously worked as the Head Esports Coach at Ashland University from 2021-2024. Mueller directs the varsity Overwatch and Rocket League teams through their competitive seasons under NACE (National Association of Collegiate Esports) as well as other select leagues. Mueller assists in managing the Esports Arena in Blum and the Esports practice room in Murphy.
Mueller received his undergraduate degree from Ashland University in 2020 and was an integral part of the Ashland Esports program. He was one of the first students in the US to receive a scholarship to compete in collegiate Fortnite from 2018-2020. Before his time at Ashland, Mueller was a triple-sport athlete at Ohio Dominican University competing in NCAA Division 2 soccer, cross-country, and track and field.
Jacob Grooms
Programming Coordinator of Recreation Services
jgrooms6@missouriwestern.edu
816-271-4453
Education:
- Bachelors of Science, Parks, Recreation, and Sport – University of Missouri
Certification:
- CPR/AED Instructor – American Red Cross
Grooms directs Intramural activities and competitions, as well as managing the student employment programs within Recreation Services and Esports. Prior to his start in 2023 he graduated from the University of Missouri with an emphasis in Sport Management. Grooms oversees the student employment hours and operations at the Baker Family Fitness Center, Looney Complex, and Esports Arena. Additionally, he manages Intramural registration, operation, and participation for programs including but not limited to Flag Football, 5v5 Basketball, Volleyball, Dodgeball, Pickleball, Spikeball, Cornhole.
Before arriving at Missouri Western, Grooms spent time working with Mizzou Athletics Event Staff and Compliance Dept., as well as with the Columbia Parks and Recreation Dept.
Jacob is originally from Rolla, Missouri, where he grew up and graduated high school before attending Mizzou.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Recreation Assistant
The main duties of this position lie in the management and execution of the policies and procedures of the Baker Family Fitness Center and Looney Complex. This includes, but is not limited to checking patrons in and out of the facility; cleaning and distributing equipment; ensuring patron safety while they perform various forms of exercise; etc.
Esports Assistant
The main duties of this position lie in the management and execution of the policies and procedures of the Esports Arena and various training facilities. This includes, but is not limited to checking patrons in and out of the facility; cleaning and distributing equipment; ensuring equipment is connected and functioning appropriately for use; etc.
Esports Broadcast Assistant
This position requires general knowledge of OBS, photoshop, and audio equipment. This position will work during live broadcasts to change scenes; overlays, make sure audio is functioning properly; etc.
Esports Communications Assistant
This position involves commentating over Griffon Esports matches and live streams. This position is required to entertain and inform views of the play-by-play action of the games; must have general knowledge of MWSU varsity eligible games; etc.
Intramural Operations Assistant
The main duties of this position lie in the direct supervision of intramural sports participants and spectators. This includes, but is not limited to, the enforcement of policy and sport rules; conflict resolution; helping ensure the safety of all players and spectators; etc.
Certain positions may not be available at this time.