ESports

Esports officially stands for electronic sports, not to be confused with video games. Esports takes video gaming to another level with organized competitive gameplay between two teams, governed by its own strict set of rules and guidelines. The difference is comparable to a pick-up basketball game at a park versus a varsity high school basketball game. Esports, like traditional sports, demand cooperation, communication, critical and strategic thinking, innovation, sportsmanship, and leadership. Nearly 15 million dollars in scholarships are available from over 200 schools and universities.

STA is partnering with PlayVS, a provider of amateur Esports resources and coaching tools, along with statistic tracking and some of the industry’s most popular games.

“Esports offers students a fun and interesting way to get involved in STEAM-related activities,” says Sage Garretson, STA Esports Coach. “It requires all of the skills you’d expect in a STEAM career: analyzing data, game statistics, and strategies, which provide real-world experience and application.” Garretson continues, “There is a clear link between student engagement and academic performance. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that students who participated in extracurricular activities perform higher on math and reading assessments, Esports is no different than traditional sports.”

Esports success opens doors to careers in the expanding video game business, as well as other fields such as entertainment and technology.