Esports Updates - 9/30/22

Esports

We have added another esports team to our Athletics program. We are now offering Super Smash Bros to complement our other two esports, Rocket League and Overwatch. Interest in esports continues to grow and our teams are either full or close to full. PlayVS reports that currently hundreds of colleges and universities offer tens of millions of dollars in esports scholarship money. That number grows substantially every year as more and more schools establish esports programs. This was especially true during the pandemic, when it was sometimes the only team sport option. Also, the gaming industry grows exponentially every year. For students, that means the number of potential career paths also does. Here is an article from a local news station about how esports is growing at local colleges just like it has been across the country. Even DC is trying to become a leader in esports.

Esports offers the opportunity for gamers and other children who may not thrive in traditional sports the chance to be a part of a team. As a part of a team, they gain the benefits associated with being a part of a team including teamwork, communication, comradery, stronger relationships, self-esteem, accepting loss and defeat, collaboration, and leadership skills. Like the other sports we offer, MS and US students who are on school teams can not have a grade below a C for two consecutive weekly grade reports, or they are not eligible to participate so increased GPAs are another positive benefit of esports.