By Krystal Jimenez Jaramillo
Staff Writer
With flawless plays, lightning-fast reflexes, and an unbreakable defense, SOAR High School’s Esports team clinched the National Championship in Minecraft Bedwards, proving they’re the ultimate defenders and attackers in the high-stakes world of competitive gaming.
The SOAR Nether Stars team - which includes Evan Torres, Ethan Valerio, Nathan Kim, Wyatt Rough, Dante Zhang and Jack Sammons - competed against 16 teams from 16 schools in a tournament held online and over Twitch over the course of 3-4 weeks.
“It was really fun,” said Evan Torres, who liked that he made new friends and bonded with his team.
A second team, Valorant, won its Regional Division 2 Championship and earned gold in Rocket League at the district tournament. Additionally, the team took home bronze in Fortnite and Valorant. This was the first year SOAR High has won a title for Valorant, marking a huge milestone for the team.
This team includes Anthony Rivera Estrada, Chen Jun Lin, Jonathan Holmes, Gabriel Fragas, Dante Zhang, Ryan Acain, Carlos Hernandez Flores, Ethan Vilaykham, and Hayden Holmes.
The Importance of Teamwork and Preparation
While gaming may seem like an individual activity, Esports at SOAR High is all about teamwork and strategy. Players practice weekly, focusing on communication, in-game strategies, and refining their skills. It’s not just about winning—it’s about improving together, working as a team, and learning from each match.
Team members like Chen Jun Lin emphasize the rewarding and demanding nature of the sport.
“I got into Esports because I like to compete and I was pretty good at games. It’s fun but also challenging. You play against all skill levels, from pros to beginners. In Valorant, we had a rough start, but we pushed through and ended up winning the Division 2 title. I’d recommend Esports to anyone because you don’t have to be a pro to join—it’s open to all skill levels, and it’s fun to compete in the games you love,” he said.
For Anthony Rivera, Esports has been a way to channel his competitive spirit and work with a team. “I got into Esports because my friends were involved, but I’ve always wanted to compete in a team environment. The team has evolved over the years, but we’ve always focused on performance, coordination, and friendship. We were really motivated to succeed in the recent tournament, and our preparation paid off as we won all of our matches. It’s a great outlet for competitive spirit, especially since SOAR doesn’t have traditional sports, and it’s a chance to bond with friends.”
A Competitive Season, Full of Triumphs
The Esports team at SOAR High follows a regular sports season format, spanning 10 weeks of intense competition. But instead of traditional physical sports, students compete in competitive video games, testing their skills against teams from other schools in the district, across the state, and even nationally.
The Fall season was a true testament to the dedication of our players. SOAR fielded teams in eight games: Apex Legends, Fortnite, Mario Kart, Minecraft. Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros and Valorant
What’s Coming Next?
As the Spring season approaches (February through April), the excitement continues to build. SOAR is looking to add new titles to its roster, bringing even more opportunities for students to showcase their gaming skills and compete at a high level. Recruitment for the team begins in January, and students interested in joining can sign up via an interest form and permission slip that will be made available soon.
Ms. Fields, who has been highly contributive in organizing the Esports program, will post these forms around campus and provide a QR code for easy access. You can also find all the necessary information in the Soar Stars Google Classroom.
SOAR’s Esports program is open to all students, no matter their skill level. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gamer, there’s a place for you on the team. Students who are interested in joining should keep an eye out for posters around campus and the SOAR Stars Google Classroom for more details.
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