Janesville CSD Launches New Esports Team

Janesville High School is excited to announce the launch of its very first Esports team, set to begin next school year. Led by Mr. Darnold, this new opportunity will bring students together in a competitive, team-oriented environment—whether they’re seasoned gamers or just starting out.

Esports (short for “electronic sports”) is organized, competitive video gaming. Just like traditional sports, players train, practice, and compete against other teams in structured matches. Games range from strategy-based team competitions to fast-paced action games, and matches are often played online against schools across the state—or even the country.

Esports is recognized as a legitimate team activity by many schools and colleges, offering students a chance to build skills, make connections, and even earn scholarships.

The goal of the Esports team is to create connections among students. Esports reaches a select group of students who are often not engaged with the school through more traditional means, such as sports, musicals, plays, or other school-related activities. Coach Darnold shared that the main motivation behind starting the team is to create an inclusive space for students who may not participate in traditional athletics to still experience the camaraderie, discipline, and personal growth that come from being part of a team.

Esports at JCSD will follow a year-round format (excluding summer), divided into three competitive seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Each season will feature a different game, with final game selections to be determined at the upcoming school board meeting. The team will begin with high school students, with hopes of expanding to junior high students in the future.

Esports is growing rapidly across Iowa—113 schools statewide currently have programs, including nearby schools like North Tama, Denver, Dike, and Cedar Falls. Students who participate also open doors for the future, as 12 local colleges offer esports scholarships, and all three major Iowa state universities have non-scholarship collegiate teams.

To support the launch of JCSD’s Esports program, the team be holding a Silent Auction on May 13 during the High School Band Concert. Come enjoy great music and place your bids on amazing prizes from generous donors, including:

• Iowa State Fair
  
  

• Iowa Irish Fest
  
  

• Dan Gable Museum
  
  

• Urban Pie
  
  

• Hy-Vee
  
  

• Escapology
  
  

• Raygun
  
  

• Cadillac XBC
  
  

• ...and more!
  
  

All funds raised will go directly to the Esports team to help cover costs of the program.

This is more than a game—it’s a new chapter in student engagement and opportunity. We can’t wait to see how this program brings students together and builds excitement both on and off the screen.

Stay tuned for game announcements and more ways to get involved!