Muriëlle “Kipspul” Huisman made a big impact on Dota 2 this year when she helped Philippine pro squad TNC become the first team to qualify for The International 7 from the Southeast Asian region.
Although TNC didn’t win any games at the main event, Kipspul announced that she was leaving the team after their elimination by OG. She later explained that the team’s final moments at TI7 made her realize that it was time to move on.
Despite their struggles at TI7, Kipspul’s success with TNC is still noteworthy. She is a young coach, and this was only the team’s second trip to the biggest international event in Dota 2.
Kipspul has since become the coach for Vega Squadron in Russia, and she has expressed her desire to bring the team to TI8 next year.
Kipspul spoke with about her approach to coaching TNC, her experience as an analyst, and the most effective ways to coach a Dota 2 team.
Working with a Southeast Asian Team
In her first few months in esports, Kipspul worked with Fnatic, a Southeast Asian team. She never actually got to experience the region, as they were constantly on the road traveling to different tournaments. However, she was able to adjust to the team and their culture, using her businesslike attitude to fit in well with the mostly Malaysian-Chinese team.
Adapting to Life in the Philippines
When Kipspul joined TNC, it was her first time in the Philippines. She had to adjust to the crowded cities, traffic, and unfamiliar food. The team itself was also different, with loud yelling in the training room that took some getting used to.
The Evolution of TNC’s Playstyle
Kipspul explained that TNC was known for their aggressive playstyle, but they started adopting a more controlled and methodical approach to the game. She worked with the team to experiment with different styles of play, including splitpushing, counterpicking, and focusing on farming and outlasting the opponent.
Managing Team Chemistry
Kipspul emphasized the importance of trust and open communication in maintaining team chemistry, especially during difficult times. She believes that team staff can make a difference by providing opportunities to reset, and that each player may need different solutions depending on their needs and the moment.
Dota 2, esports, TNC, Southeast Asian, coach, analyst, playstyle, team chemistry.