Esports has been an incredible platform for teaching life skills. For many of my students, it was the first time they had ever participated in an after-school activity. Through competition, they have learned teamwork, communication, and confidence. One student who used to get frustrated every time they lost in Mario Kart grew into a leader, eventually helping our school win the PlayVS Cup and now serving as team captain. Another student who walked into tryouts without saying a word has since stepped up as a talkative, confident contributor on our championship roster.
Beyond the competition, esports gives students a true sense of belonging. Many of my players had never been involved in school activities before joining the team, and now they are celebrated as part of the community. One of the most memorable moments was our spring pep rally, when our team ran across the gym floor to cheers and applause from the entire student body. It was a moment they never imagined possible.
My passion for competitive gaming goes back more than a decade, following professional League of Legends, Call of Duty League, and Overwatch League. When I was asked to take over our school’s program, I jumped at the chance. A year later, I have discovered that esports at the high school level is about so much more than just playing games – it is about giving students opportunities to grow, belong, and succeed.
