Foran High School’s fledgling Esports team recently placed third in the state tournament for Rocket League, held at Quinnipiac University on December 12.
The team’s achievement marks a milestone for Foran, which competed at the state semifinals for the first time.
Connecticut has become the first state to officially sanction high school video game competitions, a movement championed by figures like Clint Kennedy, a managing director of the United States of Esports Federation.
The Rocket League team qualified for states after a strong regular season, finishing third in their division.
They competed in Quinnipiac University’s state-of-the-art Esports Arena. The team is part of a growing Esports program that includes approximately 30 students.
The Rocket League rosters consist of freshmen Van Therriault, Miguel Garcia, Ayaan Rizvi, and sophomore Zach Shoop, who also served as the season’s Rocket League commentator, while Bella Lau and Jackson Storey provided additional commentary during matches.
Lau said, “Esports is a place for everyone and allows people to really express themselves.”
According to head coach Chelsea Green, preparation played a key role in the team’s success.
“We increased scrimmages beforehand against other opponents and practiced fundamental high-rank skills, like flipstarts, so they became second nature.”
Green emphasized that Esports offers far more than just competition: “Esports is an up-and-coming sport that has a bright future.”
Green also noted that Foran’s program reflects Milford’s leadership in the field, saying the district has developed its Esports program earlier and more thoroughly than many others.
Therriault says, “Esports allows people to play video games more competitively and gain essential life skills.”
This grand accomplishment paves the way for a new era of the sport of esports. Kids can openly play video games as a sport and truly express themselves, meeting new people on the way.
Recently, Green expressed that they are building a new arena in the next two years.
Green says, “I just sent in the blueprints, so we are waiting on approval for that.”
For those interested in watching, past matches are available on the Milford Esports YouTube channel: youtube.com/@milfordesports.
