In scholastic esports where teamwork and strategy reign supreme, one team stands out with a unique story of brotherhood, skill, and dedication. Jonathan, Ethan, and Nathan, triplets from Calgary Christian School in Alberta, Canada, prove that dedication, communication, and a strong family foundation can help pave the way to a Championship win in the Fall 2024 Mountain Region. Their journey is an inspiring tale of how esports can foster personal growth, teach valuable life lessons, and provide a platform for future opportunities, all while balancing the demands of school and family life
Growth and Maturity Through Esports
The triplets’ journey into esports began with a shared experience. They all got hooked on Rocket League after visiting a friend’s house, and when the game became free to play, their interest intensified. What started as a fun pastime quickly evolved into a competitive pursuit when their school launched an esports team.
For the triplets this wasn’t just about gaming; it was a catalyst for personal development. As their father, Emanuel, noted, the boys have “grown in maturity and the way they communicate”. They’ve improved their strategic planning, learning to decide who attacks, defends, and supports through years of playing together, allowing them to confidently rely on each other in crucial moments and trust each other implicitly.
Their mother, Iboro, also observed this growth, noting how they communicate in-game, relying on each other and working together seamlessly. These skills, she believes, translate to other areas of life, emphasizing the importance of applying team-based thinking outside of the gaming world.
Balancing Gaming with Other Priorities
Balancing esports with school and other commitments was a challenge that the triplets and their parents had to navigate. Initially, Emanuel and Iboro were skeptical, questioning whether their sons had enough time for gaming alongside their studies. However, they soon turned the corner to support them in their passions and success. The parents emphasized the importance of a healthy relationship with gaming, physical sports, and academics. Their approach centered on the idea that their sons can “do anything [they] want to do, but [must] prioritize, [and] give attention to different things based on priority”.
This focus on balance allowed the triplets to excel in both esports and academics, proving that it is possible to pursue passions without compromising other responsibilities. Moreover, the triplets felt that their accomplishments could be useful for future opportunities, with Jonathan stating “I felt really good knowing that we can use this [Championship] win as something we can point out in our resume for scholarships and universities”.
The Unique Dynamic of Triplets in Esports
The fact that Jonathan, Ethan, and Nathan are triplets adds a unique dimension to their story. “A lot of the time the issue with finding teammates is knowing and working around their schedule. For us, we basically have the same schedule. We know when we’re available to play and with us being able to play or be with each other all the time. We can normally go over strategies or replays whenever we want, whenever we have free time”.
They share a bond that goes beyond typical teammates, enabling them to easily practice, strategize, and build a unique play style. Ethan explains that playing with his brothers gives him relief “knowing that you can win and you will win”. However, this close connection also presented challenges. As Nathan explained, “You’ll think the same. So, as we were progressing through the ranks we would be double committing, triple committing, because we always had that same mindset of just going for the ball”.
Over time, they learned to communicate more effectively, giving each other space and refining their coordination. They have grown to understand how each other plays, and have built a team dynamic where they can predict each others’ movements. Their triplet dynamic has also garnered media attention, making them stand out as key figures in the esports community.“Competing as triplets, we get a lot of media attention. It’s a unique experience—you don’t find triplets very often, and it makes us stand out in the community.”
Jonathan, Ethan, and Nathan’s journey is more than just a story about winning a championship; it’s a testament to how esports can be a catalyst for personal growth, teamwork, and family bonding. Their story highlights the importance of balance, trust, and support in achieving success.
“It actually brought a big spotlight to esports in our school and in our city. Because of this, we can go into other games or have more people sign up and participate—not just in our school, but across Canada.”
