Coach Spotlight – Lance “Shy Jim” Peterson!

This spotlight is one of our outstanding VALORANT coaches, Lance “Shy Jim” Peterson!

Q: What is your name?

A: Lance “Shy Jim” Peterson

Q: What is your In Game Name and what is the story behind it?

A: My IGN is Shy Jim, which came from my early days of gaming in MapleStory. It’s a silly story but my parents always told me not to use my real name on the internet. So I picked a quality about myself, Shy, and a very unique name that only the 9 year old mind can imagine, Jim.

Q: How long have you been a part of Training Grounds?

A: I’ve been with Training Grounds since January of 2021

Q: How did you start coaching VALORANT?

A: I started coaching Valorant in 2020 with the University of Utah

Q: What do you like about the game?

A: I loved the mix of abilities and fps. I was a DOTA/League of Legends player from an early point in my life and always felt drawn to the unique character ability dynamic. After CSGO had lost its excitement, VALORANT was an immediate rejuvenation to my competitive aspirations. Riot also does a great job listening to the community and bringing frequent updates to the game.

Q: What do you love the most about coaching?

A: I love to see the improvement in my players. I feel extremely valid and happy when I can see my players steadily getting better at the game.

Q: What are some of the biggest lessons your players take away from your coaching?

A: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!

Q: What is your favorite memory from a Training Grounds camp?

A: I was trying to explain an attack concept with a youth team, and for some reason I compared it to dating, how taking it slow can produce better results. Well my coach lead happened to be in the call and found my amazing analogy hilarious and before I knew it all of my players and my boss just happened to be dying of laughter. That was my first team I coached at C9TG and some of the hardest workers I’ve had!

Q: What is the best part about Training Grounds?

A: The amount of people I get to work with. It’s great to be able to help so many different people in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A: Hopefully VALORANT sticks around long enough for me to make my mark on the professional scene and make a name for myself as one of the best coaches in the game!

Thanks so much, Shy Jim!
If you’re interested in joining the Training Grounds community, sign up for a camp!