New to Goffstown High School (GHS) this year is Esports. Coached by Nathan LaVanway, Esports is “an NHIAA sport that focuses on teamwork, strategy, and friendships that develop through computer gaming”. Athletic Director, Ryan Cowette, took initiative last year (2024) to see if there was an interest in faculty and students to create a team. This year’s Esports team consists of players in grades 9-12, with predominantly seniors. Mr. LaVanway hopes to “get underclassmen involved [enabling them] stay with the team and grow” come senior year. In simple terms, “Esports is competitive video games”, says Paul Gallagher–a senior on the team. 

       The Esports team operates similar to a club. The team meets every Thursday after school in T-7, where players “practice together and prepare for upcoming events”, such as competitions. Competitions are themed to a specific game–with the last one being focused on Rocket League. These competitions typically last four to five hours on a Saturday at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)’s Esports gaming arena. Paul describes how to determine a team’s placement on a bracket–similar to March Madness–there is a round of “Red Robin”, which is a warmup and evaluation round for each team. Once bracket placement is secured, teams play against each other on a single elimination basis. These competitions are streamed on Twitch for anyone to watch. 

       Esports, although new to GHS, is a rapidly growing program spreading throughout high schools and colleges throughout the country. Mr. LaVanway believes “Esports is a great way to make new friends and explore the world of competitive gaming, providing focus on a hobby [someone may] already enjoy and improve [their] skills”. Additionally, Esports can further a student into networking with colleges and potential scholarships. In March, GHS’ Esports team will compete at the SNHU Arena, focusing on Super Smash Bros, with the season lasting till May.