The Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) is witnessing a surge in its esports program, which is rapidly gaining traction among students and achieving notable competitive success. The program, which began three years ago, has become a significant part of the district's extracurricular offerings, paralleling traditional athletics in fostering social benefits for students.

Coaches from the program highlighted its positive impact during recent discussions. Christopher Martin, the elementary school esports coach, along with other coaches, emphasized the program's role in promoting teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking among participants. Colt Berry, the director of esports and head coach at the high school, noted that the program has expanded significantly since its inception, with middle school teams achieving impressive results in state competitions.

This year, the middle school esports program started with four teams, including three competing in Super Smash Bros and one in Rocket League. The success was evident as one Super Smash Bros team qualified for the state championship and won, while another finished in the top 16. The Rocket League team also made a strong showing, finishing in the top 8.

The program competes in eight different game titles, including popular games like Valorant, Overwatch, and Mario Kart. Recent state championships saw SMSD teams qualify in multiple categories, with standout performances including a second-place finish in Street Fighter and several top 8 placements in Super Smash Bros and Valorant.

The growth of the esports program reflects a broader trend in education, where competitive gaming is increasingly recognized for its ability to engage students and develop essential life skills. As SMSD continues to support and expand its esports initiatives, the district is poised to further enhance student involvement and community engagement through this modern form of competition.