Local Esports Athlete Becomes First Hurley Extra Lifer to Receive College Scholarship
DaKoda Hartley had his first cranial surgery at a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital at just nine months old. While in surgery, doctors discovered he had a heart condition that would prevent him from recreational sports. As he grew, his family helped foster his love of gaming.
At age six, Koda had his second surgery. For his parents, the years between these surgeries were filled with many ups and downs; but knowing he was in the care of a CMN hospital made all the difference.
In 2022, Koda and his dad, Brian, were contacted by Isaac Wilson about a program called Extra Life which allowed them to use their love for gaming to raise funds for their local CMN hospital: Hurley Children’s Hospital. At the time, Isaac was coming off a year of serving as the local Extra Life Ambassador for Hurley Children’s Hospital. He invited Koda & Brian to attend an Extra Life mixer with him hosted by the Hurley team.
While at the mixer, among the company of other gamers, Koda met Kettering Esports coach, Dan Nowaczyk. Koda, a sophomore at the time, was intrigued by the idea that his passion for gaming could ultimately result in financial assistance with college. In the years that followed, Koda and Dan kept in touch.
In May 2024, DaKoda Hartley became the first student out of Grand Blanc High School to sign a letter of intent for Varsity Esports.
“I’ve been extremely lucky to meet Dakoda. He’s an amazing person, and a great athlete,” said Kettering University Esports Director, Dan Nowaczyk. “None of this would have been possible without all of the amazing work done by everyone at Hurley, and I can’t thank them all enough for everything they all do.”
During Koda’s time with the Grand Blanc Esports team, Koda served as the Varsity Team Captain for two consecutive years. Since he joined the Extra Life program, he has raised more than $500 for Hurley Children’s Hospital.
If you want to join the ranks of gamers doing their part to help Hurley kids, sign up for Extra Life today!
MeKenzie Phillips is the CMN Office and Fundraising Associate at Hurley Foundation. Comments or questions about this blog? Email mphilli5@hurleymc.com.