Esports At Pine Tree: Where Gaming Meets Growth

Esports is an organization with a goal to build strong and competitive teams with as many dedicated players as possible for beloved video games. These video games include Valorant, Marvel Rivals, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, and so much more!

The organization is led by Guy Kelley, a Pine Tree teacher known for not only being an Esports coach and sponsor, but also for teaching subjects such as world history, psychology, and sociology. He is supported by fellow Pine Tree sponsors and staff members such as Anthony Ockimey, Wes Wise, Matthew McBroom, and other helpful contributors.

Esports can help any students that join develop many valuable skills. These skills include teamwork, leadership, communication, technical skills, strategic thinking, sportsmanship, and many other skills that can be vital in multiple aspects of life.

Each game the organization offers has their own miniature community of welcoming people that help make the games more fun for new students that join. Not to mention, students that join can be granted the amazing opportunity to go to competitive tournaments and immersive conventions for these video games.

The organization can also help students gain friendships with fellow gamers in these miniature communities, including the organization’s very own student leaders, also known as officers. These officers, all with their own well-earned and deserved titles, are:

Alexis Flores Arevalo: President

Timmy Nguyen: Vice President

Alisha Prasad: Secretary

Will Jordan: Fundraiser Supervisor

Allison Garrison: Graphic Designer

Jonathan Roberts: Community Coordinator

As you can see, these officers each specialize in different key features that make Esports a remarkable part of Pine Tree’s extracurricular scene. They also help enforce things like the organization’s code of conduct’s rules and student etiquette and respect. “Esports is a very student-led organization.” states Mr Kelley, they truly are a big part of what makes Pine Tree Esports a unique and rewarding experience.

One more thing Esports offers students is achievements for both in and after high school. By joining and performing well in Esports, you can earn a Pine Tree Letterman jacket and a patch for it representing the organization. Also, you gain the possibility to earn college scholarships to assist with any plans you may have for your future.

To join Esports, talk to Mr. Kelley in room 315. He can get you any more information you might need, including a copy of the Esports code of conduct, and get you signed up for whatever video game team they offer that you’d like to join. However, similar to UIL rules, you must maintain a passing grade in each of your classes at the end of each 9-weeks to stay and participate in the organization.

Esports truly can help students interested in gaming develop and strengthen their skills, companionship, and achievements. It is a remarkable organization and if you give it a try, it can be a fun and rewarding experience and the perfect fit for you!