Esports (electronic sports) is a varsity-level high school program for competitive video gaming supported by Mahtomedi Community Education. The Mahtomedi team includes students in grades 9-12, and this year the program has expanded to include students from Mahtomedi Middle School!
Athletics and Facilities Coordinator Stephanie Groff helped open the door for middle school students to join the team, bringing two seventh-grade students and two eighth-grade students into the program for the first time.
Just like any High School program, we want to ensure there are future students ready to join and lead in the activity.
“When we think about our programs, we’re always asking how we can sustain them in the future,” Ms. Groff shared. “Middle school is a pivotal time when students are discovering interests they may not even realize they have yet. Sometimes that first opportunity changes everything."
This season brought both learning setbacks and wins, from navigating league guidelines and gaming platforms to connecting students across buildings and grade levels. It took flexibility, problem-solving, and a lot of behind-the-scenes collaboration.
Most importantly, it took leadership from the high school members in supporting the younger students:
“The high school students were kind and helpful when I had to download a new gaming platform,” one middle school player shared.
“Interacting with the high school students has challenged him to push his limits and provided a valuable preview of what it takes to be part of a high school team,” according to another player’s parent.
As the season wraps up, one thing is clear: expanding opportunities takes perseverance, but it’s worth it. We love seeing students support one another, grow together, and build something new.