While most students pass the esports room without noticing, inside, players are collaborating, improving strategies and preparing for tournaments. Esports at FHN gives students an alternative to traditional sports, allowing them to build friendships and community while competing with each other. The program is open to all students interested in gaming and has grown in recent years.
“People think it’s for nerds and all that stuff,” freshman Luke Abeln said. “It really isn’t, [it’s] just for anyone who wants to play games.”
Behind every match is a collaborative effort that drives the team. Players rely on communication and teamwork to improve both individually and as a group.
“We normally communicate a lot, because that’s a big part of any sport, really,” sophomore Anna Teschendorf said. “You talk about what you’re trying to work on with your teammates, so they can tell you what you need to work on as well.”
However, according to esports coach Zach Goodsell, esports is not all about competing, it is about connecting with others and feeling part of a group.
“I like being able to give students the opportunity to play, meet new people, and become teammates with people they may have never met,” Goodsell said. “The camaraderie and community of esports is awesome.”
The program has also helped members improve confidence, giving them a sense of accomplishment in and out of the game.
“It helped me join the community and feel more like a knight at FHN, and it’s helped me make more friends,” Teschendorf said.
In addition to building friendships and confidence, it has helped them develop their skills in games and teamwork.
“It’s definitely improved me a lot,” Abeln said. “Some of my friends have noticed.”
Esports continues to welcome all students looking to meet new people, improve their gaming techniques, and enjoy friendly competition.
“You don’t have to pay anything to do it,” Goodsell said. “You get to meet people you may have never met. You get to have that accomplishment of being successful or learning or getting better at whatever game you play, and just come to have some fun.”
