The sound of the sharp clicking video game controllers fills the photography room at Joseph A. Foran as its eSports team practices continuously. Inside, the team works diligently almost every day to improve their skill set and prepare for the upcoming matches.
With the large variety of games comes a plethora of skills that are necessary for the eSports team to set itself apart from competitors. Whether using teamwork and collaboration in Super Smash Bro, or using critical thinking in Street Fighter, all games require specific assets that set them apart from competitors.
This year, the team welcomed one new coach, Miss Chelsea Green, a Foran English teacher, and welcomed back Mr. Jeff Cibulas. Along with running the eSports team, Green also runs Forans Ski and Snowboard Club, allowing her to experience two completely different sides of the Foran community. Cibulas’ job position is in the IT (information and technology) department, making him the perfect leader for a technologically heavy sport.
Cibualas offers his opinion on how rewarding his coaching position is, stating, “I think being able to give students an opportunity to express themselves and belong to a team while having the same advantage is the most rewarding.”
Along with new leadership comes a new experience and different ways of running the sport.
Green says one of her main priorities has been to improve communication using platforms like Discord or Google Classroom.
Green states, “I think we have all agreed that because we communicate so often through Discord or Google Classroom, things have been much smoother.”
Green highlights just how crucial communication is to the foundation of any sport, solely because good communication leads to positive outcomes.
Another success Green has shared is the increased support for their social media presence. In fact, in just a few short weeks of consistent posts, the Foran eSports Instagram account has grown from six followers to 56.
By utilizing the world of social media, Green hopes to not just promote within the Foran community but also have it extend beyond the community.
“We’re really trying to boost our Instagram to give knowledge about eSports because I feel like there’s a lack of information out there about it. I want the community to understand how vital it is.”
However, with this change in atmosphere, both Coach Green and Cibulas still hope to maintain and strengthen the core values of eSports: community, relationships, and opportunity.
Team member sophomore Rocco Sanchez states, “Being a team and working together online and just having an amazing community and support is my favorite part of eSports.”
The extensive growth of eSports’ relevance in today’s day and age makes it essential for there to be opportunities outside of the classroom for people to participate in. By pushing for this within school systems, outside growth can become prioritized, and through the leadership of Green and Cibulas, this is not far-fetched.
