Penn-Trafford honors Rocket League state champions; coach highlights academic pathways

Penn-Trafford School District recognized its high school esports team on Monday after the squad won the Division I Rocket League state championship. Coach John Carlin, an AP World History teacher who also runs the esports program, told the board the program began in 2020 and has grown to multiple teams and game titles.

"We started the program in 2020," Carlin said. He credited administrators, parents and students for supporting the program and described the championship run in which his Rocket League team beat Canon McMillan in the final. Carlin said several players have gone on to collegiate esports opportunities; he identified Dylan McIll as a player accepted to St. Francis on an esports scholarship.

Carlin emphasized that esports coursework includes broadcasting, streaming, graphic design and instruction in technology and safe use of AI. He also described roster structure (Division I as the top level, with Division II and III functioning like JV and freshman teams) and listed other titles the district fields, including Valorant, Fortnite and Super Smash Bros.

Board members and the public applauded the team; students and staff posed for photos and brief congratulations following Carlin's remarks. Administration and board members encouraged continued parent outreach and invited board members to visit the esports lab to better understand how matches and practices operate.

The recognition was made part of the meeting's informational agenda; there was no formal action required beyond the public acknowledgement.