The latest sport at Liberty High School doesn’t involve bats, balls or seeing who can run the fastest or jump the highest, but it does require concentration, quick reflexes and a competitive spirit.

Liberty’s inaugural sports team formed this winter, with the Redhawk’s first competition held Feb. 24. The seeds of the team were planted during interest meetings last school year. Led by advisers/coaches Ms. Amanda Jackson and Ms. Keysy Mendez, the team began practices in January to compete in the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation..

The ESSEF includes more than 100 schools across the state in various games. Liberty competes in Marvel Rivals team play, Smash Ultimate solo matches and Rocket League 3v3. The Federation also offers Smash Ultimate 3v3 and Mario Kart 8. Liberty has only two Nintendo Switches at this point, but the goal is to get more equipment to be able to compete in all divisions, Ms. Jackson said.

The team includes about a dozen students in ninth through 12th grades and meets daily. Like traditional sports, they work on a schedule. Monday is Rivals practice, with the match the following day. Wednesday is Smash match day, and Rocket League matches are on Thursdays. Fridays are reserved for makeup days, practice and free play. The teams also review after each of their matches.

Students are assigned to teams, but they all have a chance to compete, Ms. Jackson said. A gamer herself, she said she sees the team as a place for students of all backgrounds to find a place to excel.

“Who doesn’t play video games?” she said. “This is something they can do that they are good at.”

Many players also participate in traditional sports, creating a mix of athletes and gamers

Besides playing on each of the esports teams, sophomore Mason Williams competes in track, basketball and football for Liberty.

“There are some people who aren’t able to do physical sports and they are better at video games than physical sports,” he said.

And while competition is the common denominator, he said the esports team has a different vibe.

“In other sports you do one thing wrong and get criticized,” he said. “It’s just a game, but we (esports) have better communication as a team than other sports.”

It’s more than a team, he said, “It’s a family, almost,” adding he’s learned a lot more about his teammates.

He said playing on the esports team has widened his worldview. “I feel like I shouldn’t limit myself to the people around me,” he said.

But while it is “only games,” it still is something to take seriously.

Ms. Jackson said esports is a growing industry. It draws hundreds of millions of views on professional matches each year, and some top prizes go beyond $20 million.

“They are just like professional sports athletes,” she said. “Starting at the high school level opens more doors for these students.”

What does the future hold for the team? Individual growth is certain, as Ms. Jackson said they are learning every day. They hope to win enough match points to compete in ESSEF championships in April. And unlike other sports, there are two seasons per year at the high school level. Ms. Jackson said she hopes interest in the team grows and more opportunities are available for students to play in the fall.

The team may be new, but it’s already giving Liberty students a chance to compete, to belong, and to grow in a fast‑evolving sport.