Stafford Municipal School District esports teams advance at state competitions; coaches cite academic and social benefits

Stafford Municipal School District coaches told Stafford Weekly News that the district’s esports program, now in its third year, qualified multiple teams for statewide championships in May and produced several top finishes.

Colt Berry, director of esports for Stafford Municipal School District and the high school head coach, said the program began three years ago and this year qualified teams in several titles. “So we actually qualified for multiple game titles this past state championship, in May,” Berry said, listing qualifying titles including Mario Kart, Splatoon, Rocket League, Valorant, Street Fighter and Super Smash Bros.

Coaches described competitive results across age groups: one middle-school Super Smash Bros. team won a state championship, another finished in the top 16, and a Rocket League middle-school team finished in the top eight, the coaches said. Berry and other coaches described the program as an opportunity to help students remain academically eligible and improve attendance. Staff said many colleges now offer esports scholarships — the transcript reported “about 800” colleges nationwide that provide such scholarships.

Christopher Martin, identified as an elementary-school esports coach, and other coaches said staff emphasize academic standards and attendance as conditions for participation. Coaches said they view the program as a way to build social skills, character, and postsecondary opportunities for students.

The transcript records coaches describing travel to state events, including a trip to Baylor University where seniors had a final event, and coaches said those moments provided mentorship opportunities as students discussed next steps.

The district did not present formal policy changes or funding details at the time of the broadcast; the discussion was framed as program reporting and coach commentary.