Engagement and so much more…
From its humble beginning in Pueblo more than sixteen years ago, GOAL High School has proven to be a leader in innovation. From the Board of Education and Chief Officers to over 140 Academic Coaches who directly interact with more than 6,500 students on the daily, there is one goal in mind — student engagement! One tool that has been very effective in this quest has been GOAL’s Esports program.
The program involves a three-pronged approach. Students can come in once a week to participate just for fun at the “club level,” or they can compete against others in statewide intramural competitions versus other GOAL students. Finally, they can participate in competitive leagues at the state, regional and national level! Regardless of the level, students are actively engaging and, in turn, becoming more active in their schoolwork.
Teacher and eSports Coach J.T. Spencer, Pueblo West GOAL High School, has witnessed exponential growth in just five years. He and Coach Scott Elliot [not pictured], Principal, Central Region, pioneered a program that is leading to big money scholarships and a notable improvement in academic engagement and outcomes. A Board of Directors and Leadership Team that began slightly skeptical is now all in!
In fact, recent studies have revealed that gaming promotes several side benefits.
- Cognitive and mental health benefits including impulse control, memory, problem solving and social skills.
- Physical activity is increased through adventure and action games. These games enhance reflexes and improve hand-eye coordination that can then be applied to daily activities, such as driving or operating machinery.
- Stress reduction through participation both as an escape and by improving “set-shifting” abilities, helping students better move from task to task in their daily lives.
- Social interaction and teamwork are by-products of many games where cooperation and strategy are crucial to the outcome. Students often start with virtual interaction then move onto gather in person at the student drop-in centers.
- Learning how to win and lose takes practice. Winning humbly and accepting a loss with grace and maturity are lessons that transfer directly to daily life.
GOAL High School — Gaming Accolades!
- 2019/2020 Mountain Region Champions and Runner-up National Champions — Rocket League and Overwatch
- 2023/2024 — Mountain Region (Play Vs) Runner-up Champions,
National Tournament Qualifier (top 8) — Overwatch II
- 2024/2025 — Mountain Region Semi-finalist — Overwatch II
- 2024/2025 Apex Mountain Region runner-up Champion
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Setting the example!
“Gilbert [Cardenas] demonstrated unwavering commitment to his team and the integrity of the game. [He showed] a level of character that reflects the very best values of sportsmanship, representing GOAL with honor and commitment.”
Jason Cross, Ponderosa High School eSports Coach