In the fall of 2024 Stevens added a high paced and strategic video game team, otherwise known as Esports. Head coach Emma Hobson explained “Esports is a competitive video game group where we are able to get together and play games.”
With Esports being in its first year there is a lot to do for the players and coaches. “It has been overwhelming, but in a really good way, because we’re all kind of figuring it out together.” Hobson said about being a first-year coach.
“For the first year, it is great to see all of these people that are wanting to try something new and really show interest.” Said sophomore Stuart Bentz. For the first-year team they boast a good size roster of 20 players letting anyone who is interested sign up. Sophomore Liam Weiers added, “There were lots of problems with the technology, mostly IT working slowly or doing things incorrectly, but as the season has gone on and all of the issues are being worked out it’s great fun to be on one of the teams and compete across the state playing games.”
Also, who does not like to win especially when you get to represent your school while doing so. So far, the Raiders have been doing very well in the Esports scene. Including games like League of Legends, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Chess, and Rocket League. “Right now, we’re in the top 10 in every game that we are playing in the entire state, so I am hoping that we can be in at least the top five after state.” Hobson stated. Being the top in the state for a first-year team is a great accomplishment.
Now what have the athletes been doing to win? “I’ve been putting my best foot forward and really been doing good, while helping out my teammates.” Said Stuart. Liam has also been doing well, “I am only one team as of now but my performance in competition is great, my teammate Stewie and I have a 5 and 1 record in Mario Kart, and we are looking to place high in state this year.”
The athletes have been competing at the highest of their abilities and it shows. Hobson also explained that “We play all of our matches here against other schools online, but we’ll go to our state tournament over Valentine’s Day weekend in Aberdeen.”
The Esports team is a great group of people that come together and get to be competitive in something that they are all passionate about. Not only has it been new for Stevens, but it has been a big success for just the first year.
As we start to get closer and closer to the State tournament, it is safe to assume that the team will be competing at their highest and be representing Stevens in the best way possible as they strive for the win.
