WMS Esports Program showcases growth at BOE meeting

The evolution of Washingtonville Middle School’s Esports Program took center stage at a recent board of education meeting on January 15, 2026.

WMS Principal Teresa Thompson, Esports Coach Jayson Escalera and team members shared the program’s journey from its early beginnings to its current success, highlighting its positive impact on student engagement, teamwork and inclusivity.

Principal Thompson opened the presentation by placing esports within the district’s broader focus on student experience and inclusion. 

“This club is very special,” Principal Thompson said. “It gives students an opportunity to learn new skills, collaborate with one another and forge new friendships.”

The middle school esports club launched around 2020 with limited space and equipment. Early on, interested students would walk to the high school to practice, forming a mentorship connection with older players. 

But, as interest grew, the club quickly outpaced its original setup.

Under the guidance of Mr. Escalera, the esports program steadily gained momentum, with more than 70 students trying out as interest continued to grow.

What began with a single television, one console and shared controllers has since evolved into a dedicated esports room — now equipped with consoles, computers, gaming chairs and LED lighting — all made possible through district support and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work.

“It was a journey for our esports team,” Mr. Escalera said. “I’m so proud of these guys for everything they do.”

Mr. Escalera thanked members of the Washingtonville Board of Education, Athletic Director Suzanne Lendzian, Principal Thompson and many more for their support in launching the program. He also credited Washingtonville Middle School custodian Wayne Jennings for his role in transforming the space, from painting and furniture installation, to hanging decorations and installing the LED lighting that now defines the room.

Today, the program serves more than 25 students and competes through the PlayVS platform against schools from across the East Coast. Students participate in games such as Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart and Rocket League, while also meeting academic and behavioral expectations similar to traditional athletics.

For many students, esports has become about much more than gaming.

“I originally joined esports because I liked video games,” team member Dutch J. Troast said. “But after a few weeks, I had friends I never thought I would have.”

Since fall 2024, the WMS Esports Team has consistently placed in the top 10 throughout New York thanks to the dedication of its players. In addition to competition, students emphasized the teamwork, communication and confidence they’ve developed through the program, along with the friendships formed along the way.

As Principal Thompson noted in closing, those connections are one of the program’s most meaningful outcomes.

“You can really see the camaraderie that is being built, the collaboration, the teamwork,” she said. “They're supporting one another, and I think the big takeaway beside the gaming experience is the friendships that are being formed.”