Everyone always dreams of being the best at something they love. Whether it’s a sport that they like or a hobby they love. While sports icons like LeBron James, Michael Phelps and Steph Curry inspired millions, a new wave of modern competitors is rising. They don’t compete on courts or grassy fields, but on gaming platforms like PC and Nintendo Switch. These are the athletes of Esport, and their competition is just as thrilling.
The EF Esports club is a part of this new wave. It was established by Rene Neal-De-Stanton and Mello Shorter in 2022 when the school was first opened. When Shorter had a vision to start an Esports club, the purpose was to increase participation and give students more opportunities to compete with other schools, develop many skills, build a supportive community, balance fun and discipline. Neal-De-Stanton liked the idea, so they both worked through the school system to get permission to open the club, making their dreams come true.
What makes the Esports Club unique is its strong sense of community. Students of all grade levels come together to play, practice, and support one another. Whether someone is a seasoned competitor or a newbie to gaming, the club welcomes all skill levels. Before every game season, students will sign up for the game that they want to compete in.
“We go over strategies in the game and have practice,” Neal-De-Stanton explained. “We figure out what team we’re playing [against]. The captain of each team will communicate with each other.”. They have weekly meetings on Monday and Wednesday, including team scrimmages, strategy sessions, and casual game nights that help members bond and improve their communication.
The club features competitive teams across several popular titles, including Valorant, Rocket League, League of Legends, Super Smash Bros, Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, Fortnite, and even online chess.
Recently, the teams participated in the CIF League Esports tournaments and ranked at second place on the billboard of all California. This was a huge achievement, earning recognition for both their talent and sportsmanship.
What does it take to win? Competitive gaming isn’t just about raw skill, it’s a whole network of communication and teamwork, learned through practice and time spent with each other.
As Neal-De-Stanton put it, “The most important skill is strategy, because you can have a lot of individual players, but that doesn’t mean they’re good players together. The important thing is how much time people spend together learning each other’s style of play.”
Team roles also matter: Some players lead, some deal damage, and others support. The coach works with each lineup to make sure every team has the right mix of roles and even backup players ready to step in when needed. “Communication and skill really matter,” Neal-De-Stanton said. “Once the right people practice together, that’s how you build a strong lineup.”
For many students, Esports may be a hobby, but it can also be a part of their identity. Club member Ashton Davis, says his favorite game to compete in is Super Smash Bros. “I really enjoy playing it because you can do so many different attacks with so many characters,” he said. Davis joined the club because gaming shaped his creativity and gave him memorable friendships. “It’s always been a way to have fun and do things I always wanted to do.”
Even when things don’t go perfectly, he doesn’t feel upset, he continues to fight back. Davis recalled losing a game of League of Legends after making mistakes, but he didn’t let it define him. “I bounced back the next game. Even though I lost, we still had an amazing performance.”
Losses happen in every sport, and Esports is no different. But the club’s approach is encouraging and positive.
“We’re still developing,” Neal-De-Stanton said. “Sometimes we’re playing new games. We just have to get better over time.” He reminds players not to get discouraged because “at the end of the day, it’s just a game.”
This attitude plays a big role in helping players grow without fear of failure, creating an environment where improvement, resilience, and teamwork matter more than wins and losses.
The Esports Club is changing the way the school views gaming and competition. It builds the school’s spirit, encourages leadership, communication and problem-solving. Neal-De-Stanton hopes the program will also help shift the larger perception of gaming.
With more members joining, the EF Esports Club continues to grow, and its goals remain clear: build stronger teams, train competitors, and create a welcoming space for any student who loves gaming. With supportive coaches, passionate players, and rising recognition, the club is shaping a new kind of community.
