Esports team compete in Rocket League season match

By Antonio Tapia

The Esports team played a Rocket League season match on January 28, 2026, during the 6th period against other Rocket League teams.

The match was an important part of the team’s season since it was the very first few games of the season to demonstrate their skills. The team trains every week, preparing for these matches with the help of Mikal Thompson, the Esports teacher, who provides the team with drills on the Valor Esports Training Platform. 

The team needs to warm up before the game to work on their communication skills. Additionally, the fast pace of the game requires strong focus and teamwork from everyone on the team. Obed Rodriguez, as the Captain of the Rocket League Esports Team, said, “I felt pretty confident in myself. However, I wasn’t as confident in my teammates who haven’t played in a bit.” Rodriguez then added that the more they play together, the better their teamwork becomes. 

Andrew Canarena, a member of the team, said he was very nervous before the match, stating, “I was scared, my palms were sweaty, and I had butterflies in my stomach.” Although Canarena had his teammates make him feel better with their support. Canarena thinks of the team as being part of a family. “We get mad at each other, but in the end we come together and work together to win, and that is when we are strongest,” he said. 

Ian Arango, a former team member, also gave his response to that match day. He also felt extremely nervous when he competed. “I felt pretty nervous; it was my first time playing in a crowd bigger than just me and my teammates,” Arango said. Explaining the best part of Esports is sharing wins and losses with friends. 

Students in the Esports Lab at Rialto High School.

“I think it’s playing with the people I know and having a good time overall,” Arango says, adding that he keeps a schedule so he can finish school work on time to practice with his teammates. He shared that Esports has taught him the importance of communication and teamwork, along with the multiple strategies in Rocket League, such as rotations. 

As the season continues, the team hopes to improve and grow stronger with each match they play in the Esports Lab.