Johnson City e-sports coach in the running for “coach of the year”

Andrew Thompson, the e-sports coach at Johnson City High School in New York, has been nominated for the national 'e-sports coach of the year' award by PlayVersus, the company organizing their competitions. Thompson has guided the school’s e-sports team to semifinals every year since its inception, maintaining an undefeated record throughout their history. The program began with just a few Xbox and Switch consoles in a small upstairs room but has since expanded into a dedicated e-sports lab equipped with high-end computers and systems. Students compete in a variety of games, including fighting titles, sports simulations, and competitive shooters, each specializing in their preferred genre. Thompson’s coaching extends beyond gaming, serving as a mentor and father figure to many students, offering life advice and support. Team members highlight the unity and sense of belonging the program fosters, recommending similar initiatives for other schools. His nomination comes after four years of building the program, with a focus on providing students with opportunities to pursue gaming as a pathway to college scholarships or careers. Thompson emphasizes the growing recognition of competitive gaming as a viable avenue for advancement, much like traditional sports. Voting to support Thompson’s nomination is open through the Johnson City School District’s website, where details on the nomination process are available.