Let's celebrate the best of scholastic esports in North America.
Voting PlayVS Awards 2025 is NOW OPEN
2024 PlayVS Awards Recap
2025 Nominees
Esports Coach of the Year
The highest honor in amateur esports - vote for the most passionate coach who left it all on the (virtual) field
Jonathan Franta - Omaha Central High School - Nebraska
At Omaha Central High School, Coach Jonathan Franta turned a passion for gaming into a thriving esports program from the ground up. After identifying a need for an esports team, he led the initiative to build one, helping students transition from casual gamers to structured competitors. Through early challenges with technology and infrastructure, Coach Franta remained committed to creating a smooth, competitive environment for players. Guided by the motto “Fight Forward,” he emphasizes adaptability and perseverance—key qualities for success both in-game and beyond.
Rachel Espinosa - STEM School Highlands Ranch - Colorado
Coach Rachel Espinosa has rapidly transformed the esports program at STEM School Highlands Ranch, significantly expanding student participation during the 2024–2025 season. Under her leadership, the program grew from a small team into a thriving community and introduced middle school teams to build a strong foundation for future success. Beyond expanding the roster, Coach Espinosa emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and academic achievement, hosting biweekly study sessions that helped students improve both grades and standardized test scores. Her commitment to holistic development, strong relationships with players and administrators, and focus on aligning esports with the school's educational mission have made a lasting impact on the school community.
Stephen Juncaj - Detroit Catholic Central High School - Michigan
Stephen Juncaj is the Head Esports Coach at Detroit Catholic Central High School, where he has built one of the premier high school esports programs in the country. Under his leadership, the team has earned multiple state and national championships, produced collegiate-level talent, and helped pioneer the integration of esports into traditional school culture. Stephen helped create an in-person Rocket League match that went viral on ESPN, showcasing the excitement and legitimacy of high school esports to a broader audience. A passionate advocate for youth development through gaming, Stephen combines strategic coaching with character-building mentorship. His mission is to elevate scholastic esports and provide students with meaningful opportunities both in and out of the game.
Amanda Dillard - Pope High School - Georgia
Amanda Dillard, a veteran special education teacher at Pope High School, founded Pope Esports to create a space where every student could compete and belong through the games they love. Leveraging her background in instructional technology, she built the program from the ground up, leading the Rocket League team, Elite Hounds, to an Elite 8 appearance in its inaugural season. With nearly two decades of teaching experience and a deep commitment to student growth both academically and personally, Coach Dillard continues to focus on building a program that fosters teamwork, opportunity, and long-term impact within the school community.
Marta Anderson - Del Norte High School - New Mexico
Marta Anderson brings seven years of coaching and five years of curriculum development to her role as a leading esports educator. As a NASEF fellow and mentor, she has guided 15 student interns into paid esports positions, blending competitive success with real-world opportunity. Under her leadership, her teams consistently excel in the NMAA 4A division, earning Overall Esports Program titles in 2022 and 2023, a runner-up finish in 2024, and third place in 2025.
Cast Your Vote for Coach of the Year
Esports Team of the Year
The best amateur high school esports team in your eyes!
Crimson Tide
Splatoon 3™ - duPont Manual High School - Kentucky
After coming together in Spring 2023, Crimson Tide quickly established itself as a dominant force. Starting in a regional league, they made playoff appearances in their first two seasons before helping secure official state recognition for the title in Spring 2024. Since then, they have captured back-to-back KHSAA State Championships and are pursuing a third. Known for their resilience, accountability, and strong team culture, this group exemplifies the spirit of esports by fostering camaraderie, hard work, and lasting bonds both in and out of competition.
Sand Lizards Red
Rocket League - Dardanelle High School - Arkansas
This Rocket League team’s journey began as a group of friends playing together since elementary school. In their freshman year of high school, they discovered PlayVS and, with the support of a teacher-coach, successfully pitched their school board to secure resources for an esports program. Now in their junior year, they completed their second PlayVS season by reaching the top 8 in their state and are aiming even higher for their senior season. Their story reflects the power of initiative, teamwork, and long-term dedication in scholastic esports.
Tidal Surge
Splatoon 3™ - Devon Preparatory School - Pennsylvania
Founded in January 2024, Devon Preparatory School’s Tidal Surge quickly became a top competitor in Splatoon 3™, winning both the HSEL Winter Blitz and HSEL Spring Major with undefeated seasons. They helped foster a broader Splatoon high school community by establishing a Discord server connecting over 110 players across schools. After joining PlayVS, Tidal Surge continued their success with a 22-0 record, winning the HSEL East and PlayVS Mid-Atlantic brackets to secure a spot in the upcoming PlayVS Cup. Known for their organization, collaboration, and commitment to academics, Tidal Surge has built a model of excellence on and off the virtual field.
KF Seasquids Varsity
Splatoon 3™ - Klein Forest High School - Texas
After the graduation of Klein Forest High School’s senior Splatoon team in 2024, the Seasquids formed as a new varsity squad, bringing together remaining and new players into a unified team. Despite starting as brand-new teammates, they quickly built a close-knit, family-like culture centered around enthusiasm, teamwork, and community involvement. Beyond their success in competition—including a first-place finish at the University of Houston Sugar Land tournament and a qualification for the Texas Undisputed State Championship—the Seasquids have been active leaders in their school’s esports club, embodying commitment both in and out of the game.
Unified Mario Kart 8 Vancleave
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe™ - Vancleave High School - Mississippi
Since their debut in Fall 2023, this Mississippi Unified esports team has raced into the spotlight, never missing a playoff and reaching the championship twice. What began as casual LAN parties in a classroom quickly evolved into a powerhouse Mario Kart squad fueled by friendship, inclusion, and a shared love for gaming. With a team GPA over 90 and a culture built on belonging, they prove that everyone plays, everyone levels up, and everyone matters—on the track, in the classroom, and beyond.
Cast Your Vote for Esports Team
School District of the Year
A school district that has embraced the power of scholastic esports and has been a champion of unlocking it's benefits for their students.
Orange County Public Schools - Florida
Under the leadership of Esports Director Steven McHale, OCPS has become a leader in scholastic esports, setting the standard for districts across Florida and beyond. McHale has fostered a vibrant ecosystem of competitive play, teamwork, and student empowerment, integrating esports into the core of the OCPS experience. His vision has established a model of innovation, inclusion, and passion for gaming that other districts aim to replicate. OCPS continues to inspire and shape the future of scholastic esports, empowering the next generation of student gamers.
Fayette County Public Schools - Kentucky
Led by STEM Learning Coaches Shad Lacefield and Ashley Faulkner, Fayette County Public Schools has become a leader in scholastic esports with the EPIC (Engaging Players in Inclusive Competition) Esports Initiative. Serving students from elementary through high school, FCPS provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where all student gamers can excel. EPIC fosters critical skills like teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership, while promoting diversity through programs like Girls Who Game and SPARK Showcase. Supported by the Lexington community and a full calendar of district events, FCPS is setting a new standard for inclusive esports in Kentucky.
Albuquerque Public Schools - New Mexico
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), under the leadership of Laurie Lehman and Tremayne Webb, continues to set the standard for scholastic esports. Laurie secures vital resources and advocates for schools, while Tremayne ensures a strong IT infrastructure, even working over the summer to guarantee smooth gameplay during the season. With 90% of their high schools participating in esports (some with over 70 students), many APS teams compete for State and National championships. APS integrates esports into the curriculum and offers dedicated classes, with some content developed by their own coaches. Recently, APS expanded to middle schools and joined the Special Olympic Unified esports league. They also host an annual public esports tournament, attracting hundreds and fostering community engagement. APS's commitment to competition, inclusivity, and community makes them a top contender for District of the Year.
Garland Independent School District - Texas
Garland ISD has expanded its esports program to the middle school level, offering younger students early exposure to competitive gaming and creating a pipeline to high school and collegiate esports opportunities. This initiative not only sparks excitement but also helps students develop skills that can lead to scholarships and careers. This year, Garland joined the PlayVS Red River Rivalry, with Garland High School’s Overwatch 2 team making an impressive run to the finals, setting the bar for competitive excellence. With its location in the vibrant DFW esports ecosystem and proximity to the Esports Stadium Arlington, Garland ISD offers students access to one of the fastest-growing industries in the region. Jasna Aliefendic’s leadership drives the program's success, supporting coaches, overseeing growth, and facilitating communication with PlayVS. Garland ISD is building an inclusive esports community and empowering students to excel in and out of the game.
Cast Your Vote for District of the Year!
Level Up Award
A player who achieved a truly game-changing and leveling-up moment.
Carter Casebier
Muhlenberg County High School - Kentucky
Carter’s initiative and leadership have been pivotal in launching the esports program at Muhlenberg County High School. Recognizing the growing interest in competitive gaming, he took it upon himself to present a well-researched plan to the school board, securing $15,000 in funding to create the team. Now in its second year, the program has flourished, growing from 20 to 35 members, with Carter serving as Captain of the Mario Kart 8 team. His vision and dedication have not only provided new opportunities for his peers but also established a lasting foundation for future students to explore esports. Carter hopes to continue his journey in collegiate esports.
Damian Duarte
Floyd High School- New Mexico
Damian has quickly established himself as a leader in both athletics and esports at Floyd High School. A key player on the varsity football, basketball, and track teams, Damian’s competitive drive and teamwork translate seamlessly to the gaming world. When the school introduced an esports program in December 2023, Damian was eager to contribute, not just by improving his own skills but by helping to build a strong team. As the top player on the Varsity Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team, Damian led Floyd Esports to its first State Championship title and an overall Class 1A State Championship. His leadership, dedication, and mentorship continue to inspire his teammates and younger students alike as he heads into his senior season.
Aiden Willis
Greater Atlanta Christian School - Georgia
Aiden Willis has been a cornerstone of Greater Atlanta Christian School’s esports program since he joined as a freshman in 2021. What started as a small group competing in Super Smash Bros. has transformed into a thriving community under Aiden’s leadership. As a four-year varsity captain in Mario Kart, Splatoon 3™, and Smash Bros., Aiden has been integral to expanding the program, from introducing new titles to mentoring middle schoolers. His dedication extended beyond gameplay, spearheading social media efforts and live streaming to elevate the program’s visibility. Aiden’s leadership is rooted in fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring that every student, from high school to middle school, feels like part of a family. His servant leadership and passion for the growth of esports at his school make him an ideal candidate for the Level Up Award.
Isabella Nolan
Rushville Consolidated High School - Indiana
Isabella is the captain of the Overwatch team at Rushville High School. She is the first student to approach the coach about starting the esports program, and her leadership has been crucial in its success. As captain, Isabella sets up matches, makes in-game adjustments, and runs practice sessions. Her teammates respect her for providing honest feedback and even offering equipment to those who need it. Her leadership has helped the team reach the finals in their first season, and she was voted Captain of the Year. Isabella’s commitment continues to solidify esports as a mainstay at Rushville.
Victor "The Wiz" Palacios Jr
Mayfair High School - California
Since discovering 2GGaming and the SoCal Super Smash Bros scene in 2015, Victor “Wiz” Palacios Jr. has dedicated himself to bringing younger players into the esports ecosystem. He began by recruiting kids from his neighborhood to play in his family's garage arcade and eventually sold his arcade cabinets to fund Nintendo Wii’s and production equipment. From 2015 to 2018, he hosted youth Super Smash Bros tournaments in Cypress, California, before securing the opportunity to host large offline competitions at the University of California, Irvine's Esports Arena. In 2018, he was invited by Lisa Azevedo and Bellflower Unified School District to build the esports program at Mayfair High School. Now, Coach Wiz teaches an esports and gaming curriculum to middle and high school students, inspiring them to pursue careers in the industry while promoting esports’ value in education and advocating for its integration into schools nationwide.