In its second year as a campus club and first year as a competitive team, Ridgeview Middle School‘s Esports team currently ranks fourth in its league. Fourth place qualifies the team to compete in the Spring playoffs. Esports is short for electronic sports, which is competitive, organized video gaming. The team’s 30 members, including sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, compete nationally in organized gameplay tournaments against other students their age.
The Esports world is a fast-growing international phenomenon with a massive fan base. Over 175 colleges and universities are members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports and have officially recognized varsity Esport programs with partial or full-ride athletic scholarships and coaching staff.
Situated in front of individual computer monitors, with headphones perched on their heads, team members meet twice a week to practice and compete, playing competitive Minecraft™ and Rocket League™. Together, they work on teamwork, strategy, communication, and leadership. With each competition, they work to secure match wins and improve their rankings.
“Esports gives students who may not be interested in playing a traditional sport an alternative way to gain the sportsman qualities you learn from competition,” said Robin Young, Ridgeview Middle School instructional technology specialist, and club sponsor. “The club is open to everyone, and it’s a great way to make new friends.”
Ridgeview is the first middle school in Round Rock ISD to form an Esports team. Both McNeil and Cedar Ridge high schools have active Esport clubs.
“As the club grows, we will have game captains and more student leadership roles available,” said Young. “And we hope Esport clubs form at other Round Rock ISD middle schools so we can have district tournaments and championships.”
