Orcutt Academy High School

eSports

eSports Head Coach

Welcome

We’re excited to invite you, as part of the Orcutt Union School District and Orcutt Academy High School community, to jump into the world of eSports competition. If this is all new to you, get ready for an eSports experience that's way more exciting and rewarding than your usual online gaming activities.

What are the seasons?

Unlike regular high school sports, eSports rocks two (sometimes 3!) seasons each academic year: Fall Season (kicking off late August and rolling into December) and Spring Season (revving up in February and cruising until May). When there’s a third season, it’s jammed between the day you return from Winter Break and the Spring Season. Don't worry, you don't have to do all seasons– we're all about exploring opportunities here. And for those wondering, you can oftentimes juggle eSports and other school sports/activities without major clashes.

Gaming Format

Now, if you're parent of a high school student you may be scratching your head wondering, "What's this eSports buzz all about?" Hold on, we've got you. eSports is like a league or tournament showdown among players that enjoy various online games. Sounds weird and wild to you parents, right? But our modern-day kids totally get it. It's their chance to put their gaming skills to the test, competing against other die-hard high school gaming fans and showing off their chops.

Parent Information

PlayVS, one of many companies that organize eSports for high schoolers, has put together a couple of articles with some great information for parents to learn more.

CIF Approved

The official logo of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), featuring a bear, the state of California, and the text 'Prep Sports Since 1914'.

And here's the deal – eSports is legit. Seriously, the California Interscholastic Federation (you know it as “CIF” for short) gave it the nod back in 2018. These days, thousands of high schoolers in California alone are in on the eSports action. Zoom out to the whole of the United States, and you're talking tens and tens of thousands – because CA is actually a little late in the eSports game. Plus, colleges and universities are scouting talent from high school eSports squads, offering perks and scholarships to the cyber athletes they spot.

To jump into eSports (as a CIF-approved activity), students need to bring their A-game in conduct, grades, and attendance. We're keeping things real by keeping tabs on everyone's scholastic mojo. And if you're gunning for that Varsity Letter Award, we're looking at roles, attendance, participation, rankings, what your coach and team captain say, and all that jazz.

Major Fanbase!

More people are glued to eSports showdowns and all the stuff that goes with it than any other pro sport combined. Don't believe us? Hit up your favorite search engine – it's a sight to see. eSports is rocking the world, and we're stoked to be blazing the trail, bringing eSports to our amazing students. We’re the first district in Santa Barbara County offering eSports (est. 2021), and we are serving as a model to other school districts looking to introduce it. In fact, Santa Ynez is introducing eSports this year, and we helped them get their game on!

More than just gaming

But here's the real scoop. By diving into this eSports adventure, we're opening up new avenues and possibilities for our students beyond high school. Teamwork? Check. Interpersonal skills? Got 'em. Leadership and communication? You bet. Business and technology development. Yup. We're all in this together, learning and growing with each season, working alongside our students to make this program the best it can be.