Esports can offer students opportunities to build teamwork as well as skills for future careers. Recent research has also shown that esports can provide safe spaces for students and encourage positive development.
SmartBrief Education spoke with Jennifer Reidl, science teacher, and Heather McCarthy, media specialist, from Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School in Oak Lawn, Ill., about the beginnings of their esports team. The esports team at Oak Lawn is a member of NASEF, the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations.
This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
How did your esports team start?
Reidl: In 2018, a coworker suggested that I start a video game club because I had a lot of old video game equipment. Then, three years ago our school became interested in starting an esports team. Heather suggested that I be a part of it, given I had a high interest in video games. We started interviewing coaches from other nearby programs for tips in getting started. After we hosted tryouts and put our team together, we had trouble finding teams to compete against. We allowed our team to compete against each other. We decided to take them to nearby high schools and universities to gain experience and see the potential that their esports path could take them. The second year, we were able to visit local high schools for friendly competitions. In our third year, we were able to compete in two seasons. We competed online with PlayVS as well as the Electronic Gaming Federation. We also lead other schools in our conference to develop an in-person league and our first competitive season.
What skills do your sports players learn?
Reidl: Our players have learned a lot about team work, leadership and sportsmanship. When they practice, they help each other strategize and improve. They see opportunities to help lead each other to be successful. I love to see their sportsmanship. I think it’s most impressive to see how kind they are to others when they compete. Win or lose, we see them shaking hands and complimenting their opponents. There is so much joy in their faces when competing, and that is the most rewarding part of this experience.
McCarthy: Our esports players have developed strong communication and collaboration skills that extend beyond the game. They learn how to listen to each other, share ideas and work together toward a common goal. It’s been incredible to watch their confidence grow as they contribute to the team and support one another. Alongside their teamwork, they consistently show respect and good sportsmanship. Whether they win or lose, they treat their opponents with kindness and encouragement. Watching them build these skills while having fun and lifting each other up has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience.
What do you want parents to know about esports?
Reidl: We are learning many beneficial life skills through gaming: teamwork, collaboration, winning, losing, communication skills, strategy, problem solving, commitment, responsibility and overcoming adversity. There are many benefits allowing students that don’t necessarily have athletic ability to be able to participate and be part of team. I want parents to look beyond the negative stigma often associated with video games. Being part of an esports team is just like being part of any traditional sports team because it builds teamwork, discipline and strategy. The difference is, instead of using physical strength, we rely on our hands, reflexes and minds.
McCarthy: I want parents to know that esports is so much more than just playing video games. It’s a powerful way for students to develop future-ready skills that can support them in STEM fields, college opportunities and even career pathways. Through structured gameplay and team involvement, students practice communication, critical thinking and digital literacy, which are all skills that are essential in today’s tech-driven world. Esports opens the door for scholarships, networking and careers in areas like game design, coding, broadcasting, and marketing. Most importantly, our program is rooted in the positive values of respect, teamwork and perseverance, which prepare students to succeed both in and out of the game.
What do you think the future is for careers in esports or gaming?
Reidl: I think the future for careers in esports or gaming has many possibilities. It is a billion dollar industry. There’s potential for not only gamers, but game design, marketing, coaching, broadcasting, media and more.
McCarthy: The future of careers in esports and gaming is incredibly promising, especially as technology continues to evolve and blend with entertainment, education and innovation. What excites me most is how this field is pushing the boundaries of what careers can look like. There are opportunities not only in gameplay but in fields like virtual reality development, cybersecurity, data analytics and event production. As more schools and colleges build esports programs, students are gaining early exposure to these industries in meaningful ways. We’re seeing a shift where gaming is no longer just a hobby, but a launchpad for creativity, entrepreneurship and tech-driven careers that didn’t even exist a decade ago.
What surprised you most about esports?
Reidl: I think what surprised me most about esports is how similar my experience as an athlete was. I see the competitive drive in my students, and I can relate to that. Their dedication to improve on their skills, and the joy they get from competing, is something I felt on the basketball court and the softball field. Video games to me, was a hobby, but I wish I had had the opportunity to compete in gaming. I think that would have been a lot of fun.
McCarthy: What surprised me most about esports was how quickly I saw its educational value, even though I didn’t know much about it when we first started. As a media specialist, I’m always looking for ways to connect students with technology and literacy in meaningful ways, but I hadn’t realized how naturally esports fits into that. I was amazed at the level of collaboration, strategic thinking and communication involved. Watching students take ownership, support one another and grow as confident digital leaders completely shifted how I view gaming. It’s now one of the most engaging and rewarding parts of my role.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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