Game on: Blue Valley esports builds community through competition

Inside the inaugural esports tournament, the atmosphere felt different from a typical athletic event. The glow of screens lit up gaming stations as students leaned forward in concentration, controllers clicking with every move.Teams traded momentum back and forth as spectators watched the action unfold on large displays overhead. Between rounds, the room buzzed with quiet anticipation, a mix of suspense, strategy and school pride in a new kind of competitive arena.

Blue Valley students have long found community through athletics, activities and clubs. Now, there is another option for connection, bringing students together in a fast-growing activity built on teamwork and strategy.

In all five Blue Valley high schools, esports is creating a place for students to belong, compete and be part of a team built around shared passion. The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) sanctioned its inaugural esports season for the 2025-26 school year, opening the door for district teams to compete in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Level One: Belonging

For district students, esports is about more than competition. It provides a space where those with shared interests can connect and feel a sense of belonging. That community is one of the strongest impacts coaches, like Blue Valley North’s Matthew Christensen, see.

“Esports offers this great opportunity for students that share like interests to find community with other players,” Christensen said. “It's the same reason that people who like playing football play football. It's the same reason that people who enjoy debate, do debate. They have an interest that they're passionate about, and they join a club doing that.”

“It's the same reason that people who like playing football play football. It's the same reason that people who enjoy debate, do debate. They have an interest that they're passionate about, and they join a club doing that.” Matthew Christensen, Blue Valley North

Level Two: Practice

Video games may look effortless from the outside, but students know success requires hours of dedication and practice. Competitors, like Blue Valley North senior Aaron Uzelac, spend significant time sharpening skills, learning strategy and improving teamwork.

“I wish people understood like this isn't something super easy to do...You won’t just be super good,” Uzelac said. “You actually have to dedicate time and practice... I've got probably 2,000 hours in Rocket League.”

Level Three: Connection

Coaches, like Blue Valley Southwest’s Brandon Bishop, said what stands out most is the energy students bring and the connections that form when they compete side by side. Esports creates an environment where students support one another, celebrate improvement and build confidence together.

“The level of technical skill and mastery these kids have over these games is something I will never approach... Seeing the amount of time and energy and practice that they put into this game is really impressive,” Bishop said. “There's something different about having kids together in the room, playing the same game, talking about it. This is where friendships are formed.”

“There's something different about having kids together in the room, playing the same game, talking about it. This is where friendships are formed.” Brandon Bishop, Blue Valley Southwest

Level Four: Opportunity

Esports is also helping competitors, like Blue Valley Southwest junior Rylan Riley, see new possibilities for their future. Collegiate programs and scholarships are growing, giving. students other opportunities beyond high school.

“People get scholarships for it,” Riley said. “It's actually a successful business now. It's not just something like, ‘Oh, I just game for fun.’ I can game for a job, and I can do what I love and make money from it.”

Level Five: Competition

For many students, esports is a chance to represent their school in a new kind of arena, and Blue Valley high schools have already made their mark. Three district teams qualified for the inaugural KSHSAA esports state championship tournament: Blue Valley High in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Rocket League and Blue Valley North in Rocket League. Both Blue Valley High Tigers teams reached the semifinals in their respective tournament brackets.

Level Six: Growth

As esports continues to expand across Blue Valley, coaches hope even more students will have the chance to participate. District support has helped ensure that it is accessible, giving students an opportunity to compete without barriers.

“All I want out of esports in Blue Valley is just to see it keep growing. I just want to see more kids participating,” Christensen said. “The district has been absolutely incredible with the care and attention and effort that they've put behind this program. Having it to where students aren't limited by a financial obstacle in order to play for this is, I really can't put it into words how thankful I am for it.”

“The district has been absolutely incredible with the care and attention and effort that they've put behind this program. Having it to where students aren't limited by a financial obstacle in order to play for this is, I really can't put it into words how thankful I am for it.” Matthew Christensen, Blue Valley North

Esports may be digital, but the impact they have in Blue Valley is real.