Students make virtual waves in eSports

• Pictured, from left, are eSports state championship winners Coach Adam Ray, Reed Lewis, Jeremy Williams, Alex Turley, Linden Colwell, Jesse Jimenez and Renae Feller, who are part of the Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program. Contributed/MFISD

Marble Falls ISD trustees applauded the incredible achievement of the inaugural eSports team, led by Coach Adam Ray and supported by Renae Feller with the ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) program, in winning the state championship.

The ACE program, funded by a federal grant and launched this school year, sought to increase student participation as the second semester approached. In collaboration with Principal Hinson, Feller introduced eSports to attract more students.

Despite having no prior experience with eSports, Feller received crucial support from Ray, who volunteered to establish and coach the team.

With ACE funding the necessary equipment, Ray had 10-15 active participants in the eSports program and quickly registered the team for competition by February.

Although the newly formed eSports team had never played a match together, their immense potential, talent, and strong team communication quickly became evident.

Entering the playoffs undefeated, our four competitors – juniors Alex Turley, Reed Lewis, Jesse Jimenez and Jeremy Williams – demonstrated exceptional teamwork and emerged as State Champions. Looking ahead, these talented juniors plan to return for their senior year with aspirations of competing at Nationals. The eSports program, part of ACE, is open to all students at no cost, providing an exciting opportunity to join and participate in this dy- namic and growing field.