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The Emporia High School Spartans are preparing to step into a brand-new competitive arena this winter as KSHSAA officially recognizes esports as a sanctioned activity for the first time.
Students will compete in three popular titles: Rocket League, Mario Kart 8, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The preseason begins on November 17, with the full season kicking off the first week of December.
Season Schedule and Format
KSHSAA and PlayVS Partnership
To support its inaugural rollout of esports, KSHSAA has partnered with PlayVS, a leading platform used by schools nationwide to organize structured gaming competitions.
Timeline of the Season
The esports season will follow a clearly outlined schedule:
- November 17 – Preseason begins
- Two-week preseason period
- December 1–January 19 – Six-week regular season
- January 26–27 – Playoffs
- January 30–31 – State Tournament
This structured timeline mirrors traditional athletic seasons, offering students opportunities to train, compete, and advance toward state-level play.
Leadership and Vision for the Program
Coach Jaime Diaz-Minon Leads the First Esports Team
Head Coach Jaime Diaz-Minon will guide the Spartans as they navigate this new competitive landscape. He expressed enthusiasm for both the students’ interest and the historic significance of the program.
“With this being the inaugural season, I am really excited to work with all the students who have shown interest in the program,” Diaz-Minon shared.
He noted that while KSHSAA is starting with only three sanctioned games, he expects the selection to expand in coming years. His hope is that Emporia High’s teams will grow stronger over the season and ultimately compete at the State level.
Coach Diaz-Minon’s Background
Diaz-Minon is no newcomer to esports. He grew up gaming and even participated in the first season of Emporia State University’s esports program, where he also coached Rocket League and assisted with esports program management.
In addition, he previously coached cross country and track and field at Olpe High School, giving him valuable experience in both traditional and emerging competitive environments.
He also hopes to inspire students beyond gameplay, encouraging them to explore live streaming, broadcasting, and match commentary—skills increasingly vital in modern esports culture.
A Historic Season for Emporia High
The rise of esports at the high school level has officially reached Emporia, thanks to KSHSAA’s decision to sanction competitive gaming statewide.
Diaz-Minon emphasized how meaningful this moment is for students and the school community.
“I know that myself and many students at Emporia High School are excited for an esports season,” he said.
He added that esports opportunities have existed at the club level for years, and making them official opens doors for student recognition and advancement. With universities—including Emporia State—now offering esports scholarships, the new program provides students with even more potential pathways.
Conclusion
The launch of Emporia High School’s first esports season marks an important milestone for both the school and the wider KSHSAA community.
With strong leadership, an organized schedule, and growing student interest, the Spartans are poised to make a memorable debut in competitive gaming. As the season begins, excitement continues to build around the opportunities esports brings—both in competition and future academic pathways.
FAQs
1. What games will Emporia High compete in this season?
Students will compete in Rocket League, Mario Kart 8, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate during the inaugural esports season.
2. When does the official esports season start?
The regular season begins December 1, following the preseason that starts on November 17.
3. Who is coaching Emporia High’s esports team?
The team is led by Head Coach Jaime Diaz-Minon, who has experience in both collegiate esports and traditional athletics.