Bronco and Tiger Esports Reach State Championship Finals

BELTON – Esports is thriving in Belton ISD, with Bronco Esports at Lake Belton High School and Tiger Esports at Belton High School achieving a major milestone by advancing to the State Championship Finals. At the Vanta Esports Fall 2024 Championship, hosted by Baylor University, both teams showcased their talent, competing against more than 60 top teams from across Texas.

Academic Esports, or electronic sports, refers to organized competitive video gaming. Through participation, students hone essential skills like teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership while engaging in STEM-related (science, technology, engineering, and math) challenges.

Lake Belton High School students Noah Brown, Skylar Cross, Elijah McQueen, Shawn Scholten, Lincoln Southworth, and Anthony Tran competed in Overwatch 2, while Rylan Parr and Gabriel Vacula showcased their skills in Super Smash Bros. Bronco Esports, founded in 2020, has grown into a dominant force, with 39 players competing across 29 teams in two major leagues—Vanta and Texas Scholastic Esports Federation (TexSEF). Under the leadership of Coach Kristie Shepherd and Bronco Media teacher Dustin Shepherd, the program has flourished.

Recently, Bronco Esports helped establish the first middle school esports team at Lake Belton Middle School, with LBHS players facilitating tryouts and developing rubrics based on skill, gameplay, and gaming etiquette. To further support the new team, LBHS players will surprise them with a custom logo and wall graphics for their space. “I’m incredibly proud of my players for leading this effort,” said Mrs. Shepherd. “Esports has given them amazing opportunities, and now they’re giving back.”

With three state titles through Vanta and a push for the TexSEF champion belt this spring, Bronco Esports is aiming high. The team will compete in the Spring 2025 playoffs at Baylor University in May and return for the Fall 2025 championship. Future goals include expanding district-wide, hosting more in-person competitions, and securing sponsorships.

Belton High School’s Tiger Esports, also founded in 2020, has grown from a small club into a competitive program. Led by Scott Adams, Shawndra Elliott, and Belton Police Department School Resource Officer Jacob Schmille, with Security Officer Grant Phillips assisting in recruiting, the team experienced rapid growth and success. Since its inception, Tiger Esports has evolved significantly. In the early days, students gathered in a hallway with personal equipment, but through multiple Belton Education Foundation grants and fundraising efforts, the program expanded to include gaming consoles, personal computers, and a full-sized classroom.

The team quickly found success, placing first and second in Fortnite and fourth in Rocket League at their first state competition at Esports Arena in Arlington. Over the years, additional funding has helped the program grow, providing more gaming systems and personal computer setups, increasing student participation. Despite setbacks, including a summer theft of two PlayStation 5s and all Nintendo Switches, a generous donor replaced key equipment, ensuring the program continued to thrive. Esports lays the foundation for multiple career pathways in STEM, offering students valuable skills and opportunities beyond gaming.

Both Bronco Esports and Tiger Esports continue to expand opportunities for students, foster leadership, and build competitive programs that prepare players for collegiate esports and beyond. “For so many students, esports is more than just gaming—it’s a place to belong, grow, and succeed,” said Shepherd. With continued success at the state level, increased visibility, and growing district support, the future of esports in Belton ISD has never been brighter.