Kara Simpson
 |  Guest columnist

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When most people think of a school sports team, they picture sneakers on a court or Friday night lights. They don’t usually think of students logging into popular video games to strategize, solve problems, lead teammates and build friendships from behind a computer screen.

That’s exactly what’s happening at Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA), where their high school esports program is becoming a powerful tool for connection, growth and preparation for the future. 

Esports isn’t just “playing video games.” In fact, esports has grown to over 3.32 billion active gamers in 2024, a 64% increase since 2015. Like traditional sports, it includes practices, coaches, academic expectations, rosters, captains and accountability. Players learn teamwork, communication, sportsmanship and how to manage both school and extracurricular commitments. They also learn digital citizenship, or how to be respectful competitors and responsible teammates. 

Our students compete weekly in League of Legends, Rocket League, Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, Chess and Super Smash Bros Ultimate, to name a few. These games are fun, but they’re also educational. Students have to read scripts, recognize patterns, plan strategies and make quick decisions, strengthening real-world skills like problem-solving, perseverance, spatial awareness and critical thinking. 

One of our students who joined the program was originally quiet and hesitant to speak up. But during practices, he started showing a natural talent for strategy, calling out plays, helping teammates anticipate moves and encouraging others when games didn’t go as planned. He became more engaged in class, more confident communicating with teachers and more consistent with his academic work. He didn’t just improve as a player — he grew as a leader, a student and a teammate.

For many students, esports is their first experience being part of a school team. Some don’t see themselves in traditional athletics, but they come alive in a setting where strategic thinking, collaboration and digital skill matter. They’re not just logging in for game time; they’re showing up for their team. 

The opportunities go far beyond high school. Students can earn college scholarships, join collegiate esports teams or pursue careers in game design, media production, esports management, broadcasting, cybersecurity and technology. Some branches of the U.S. military even have professional esports teams. 

Whether they go on to become engineers, designers, storytellers or yes — even professional gamers — I hope my students leave knowing they’re capable of leading, collaborating and making an impact.

Because in the right environment, esports is more than just a game.

It’s preparation for leadership, confidence and success beyond graduation.

Kara Simpson is a high school science teacher and the esports head coach at Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy and lives in Blanchard, Oklahoma.

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