Northside High School

Northside is a Title I school with a very diverse population. We are one of 2 high schools in Fort Smith, and have a student population of around 2500. What makes Northside unique is the love both students and staff have for this school. We are One, We are Family, We are Northside is our motto, and you see that in action everyday. Our esports program is an example of all of that. We started in the Spring of 2019 with 5 students who took it on as an EAST project to bring esports to our campus, we are now almost 50 members and are competitive at both the state and regional level.

I got started with esports as an EAST project, my students wanted to bring it to our campus and they set out to make it happen. I am not a gamer myself, but I have grown passionate about esports by watching the difference it has made in the lives of my students. I have seen how this community brings opportunities to my players, and I love watching them pay it forward to younger students. I wanted to become a Super Coach to show others that you don't have to play the games necessarily to find a way to bring this community to your students. You can have a competitive esports program by fostering the leadership qualities that your students already have. I love learning from my players and have built relationships that will last forever by recognizing and supporting their passion for gaming.