From the idea of a team 3 years ago, to the first interest meeting, then practice, and now its first tournament season, Spartanburg High School is excited to be the home of its very own Esports Team, The Viking Vanguard. Esports has exploded as a global industry with an estimated audience of one billion people in 2025. If the sport continues growing at its current rate, its market value is projected to exceed $3 billion this year and grow to $7 billion by the end of this decade.
The Esports industry provides vast career and scholarship opportunities for high school students. Several colleges have created Esports programs in recent years, including both Converse University and Coker College locally. These programs develop skills like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, strategic thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership by requiring players to collaborate effectively, make quick decisions under pressure, and strategize with their team to achieve victory – all of which are transferable to other work environments.
“Our SHS program aims to establish a competitive Esports team, promote career readiness, and build a community for students through a positive gaming environment that fosters academic success, leadership qualities, teamwork, and sportsmanship,” said co-coaches and SHS faculty members Endra Biggerstaff and Elizabeth Hinton. The program is a collaborative effort with support from district personnel, IT personnel, administrators, the D7 community, coaches, and most importantly, students.
“From a coach’s perspective, we want this to be a student-driven program, and the next step in building their success. Each member of this team was carefully selected and brings a new perspective that will make the Vanguard a staple in this community.”
By harnessing an existing student interest and channeling it into an avenue for building community and student success, all involved with the program exude an enthusiasm that is magnetic.
“We are gamers. We are competitors. We are the Viking Vanguard!”