All your favorite teams and sources in one place

Build your feed

Your Teams.
All Sources.

Build your feed

© 2024 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC.

No results found.
Video games modernizing varsity-level sports in Alabama
James Clemens High School’s esports team. (Courtesy: Pam Paquette)

Video games modernizing varsity-level sports in Alabama

MADISON, Ala. (BVM) — Varsity sports at the high school level traditionally offer so much more than just the playing experience. They teach life lessons and form never-ending bonds between teammates and there’s something for everyone: basketball, football, baseball, golf, swimming and video games. You heard that right, video games.

Competitive video gaming, known as “esports,” is surging across America and starting to become popular in local Alabama high schools. In an industry that is projected to be worth $1.8 billion come 2022, there is still plenty of room for growth.

Powered by a company named PlayVS, high school students have been able to take their gaming talents into the competitive arena. PlayVS is a nationwide company that provides the online platform for participating schools to build and manage teams, check schedules and track stats. They coordinate with each state’s athletic association to resolve match disputes and handle all online components of the league. They currently offer four games for varsity-level gaming: Fortnite, Smite, League of Legends and Rocket League.

As of now, two of these games are approved by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. Those are League of Legends and Rocket League. League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena video game where players compete as a team to destroy their opponents’ base. Rocket League is a vehicular soccer video game, where players take control of a vehicle and drive into a giant soccer ball to score on their challenger.

James Clemens High School competes at the varsity level in both of these games, leading the way for the local area. Head coach Pam Paquette helped explain what esports all entails, because although everybody knows high school esports has taken off, not as many know what it’s all about.

Paquette said that just like any other varsity sport, the students are competing weekly and have a chance to win a state championship. Their practices take place two to four times a week, depending on the game they play, and are from the comfort of their own homes. The students just alert Paquette when they are on so that she can monitor it. Actual competition takes place in her classroom at James Clemens High.

Coach Paquette says that just like any other varsity program students could be a part of, the gamers are learning life lessons too. They are learning to communicate as a team and problem solve.

“The students are also learning how to deal with adversity,” Paquette said. “As teachers we don’t always do the best job of teaching that life skill, so this is an important one.”

Beyond the high school level, opportunities to compete in video games within a serious setting are available. Paquette says that the University of Alabama in Huntsville has a huge esports club that has yet to offer scholarships, but there are roughly 30 universities that currently do offer scholarships.

Although joining esports may be a little pricier than your typical varsity sports team, the cost is worth it. Funds go towards access to PlayVS’ gaming system, as well as top-notch equipment and school spirit wear.

The experience is unique and something intriguing to people from all walks of life. It allows people who feel like they’ve never had a place before to fit in. Plus, it’s only getting bigger.