Power of High School Esports: Olivia’s Journey to Pro Player
Power of High School Esports: Olivia’s Journey to Pro Player
Oct 20, 2023
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Summary
Olivia Calistus' journey from a high school student to a professional esports athlete showcases the transformative impact of esports in education. Gameplan played a pivotal role in balancing her academic and esports ambitions, leading to improved grades and competitive success. Her story highlights the importance of esports curriculums in schools for boosting academic performance and student engagement, promoting diversity, and paving the way for aspiring esports professionals. Gameplan continues to support students like Olivia, proving esports is more than gaming—it's an educational pathway to passion-driven careers.
The Beginning Of an Inspiring Esports Career: High School Esports
Nothing makes us happier than when we talk to former Gameplan students and their success! Meet Olivia Calistus: a professional esports athlete, a brilliant student turned professional esports player, and a shining example of esports’ impact. She currently holds the top laner position on G2 Esports' League of Legends female team, one of the most recognized esports organizations in the world.
Olivia's journey began in high school, where esports immediately caught her interest. However, the pathway to professional esports wasn't a walk in the park. Facing parental skepticism, Olivia used Gameplan to prove that esports was more than just a hobby, that
esports careers and the esports ecosystem provided viable serious opportunities.
Her first step into the competitive esports world was through her high school esports team, competing against other schools, and it was an experience she found immensely enjoyable. Upon graduation, Olivia moved up the ranks, joining SK Gaming and, eventually, G2 Esports.
“My journey started when I was in high school. I always knew that I wanted to do something with esports. It caught my interest when I heard that Gameplan was going to start in our school.”
Esports in Schools: Boosting Academic Performance and Student Engagement
Olivia emphasizes the importance of diversity in esports, lauding the efforts to include more women in esports. She also credits Gameplan for fostering an environment that motivated her to improve academically, proving that integrating esports education and esports curriculums in schools boosts academic performance and student engagement.
“I think publicity is a great way to celebrate women in esports”
Olivia’s journey has been a testament to the power of esports education. Its positive impact on her life and its potential influence on aspiring esports players.
She highly recommends Gameplan to any budding player who is juggling school with their esports aspirations. By providing a platform that supports and encourages both academic and esports pursuits, Gameplan is paving the way for the next generation of successful esports professionals. So, whether you're a student with a love for esports or an educator looking for student engagement strategies to implement in a classroom and help students do more of what they love, let Olivia's story be your inspiration to give esports education a try.
Unlock Student Potential and New Ways to Engage Your Students with an Esports Curriculum
Olivia's journey is living proof that esports is not just about playing video games; it's a competitive and rewarding field that requires dedication and hard work. At Gameplan, we are incredibly proud to see such a talented, brilliant young woman succeed and inspire others.
“I'd recommend Gameplan to aspiring players, especially players who are still in school. It will help you motivate you for your school studies as well and help you through school.”
Implementing an esports curriculum and providing esports education to students increases student retention. Moreover, students feel encouraged to pursue their passion while also excelling in their academic endeavors.
Watch Olivia's video to hear more about her journey:
If you are curious about how to use esports education in your school, let us help you. Schedule a 30-minute meeting to learn more today!
Full transcript of Olivia’s Testimonial
Hi, My name is Olivia, and I’m the top laner for G2 Esports.
My journey started when I was in high school. I always knew that I wanted to do something with esports. It was natural that it caught my interest when I heard that Gameplan started in our school.
When I started esports, it was hard to convince my parents that this was a viable career opportunity. They wanted me to become an engineer or a doctor or something similar. Having Gameplan was a way to show my parents that this is for real and a serious organization. It showed my parents that esports was a real thing. When I finally got the support of especially my mom, that's when I could go 100% in esports.
The first esports team I joined was a school team, and we were playing against other schools. And that was fun. When I graduated high school, I got picked up by SK Gaming. They had a female team called SK Gaming Avarosa, and I played there for about eight months; then I got picked up by G2.
There was a specific event from Gameplan that I remember. Four or five students from our school got to go to Gameplan’s office. It was a coaching day where you got to learn many techniques to coach other players. And it made me realize that I didn't want to be a coach; I wanted to be a player instead.
What we are doing right now is a huge step already to involve more diversity and bring more women into the scene. Publicity is a great way to celebrate women in esports. For example, when organizations post and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women employees, it is good for them to see that they are appreciated, and it gives us the ability to help others who are not in this industry to see that there are women in the scene as well.
When Gameplan joined my school, it was clear to everyone that if you were going to be a part of this after-school program, you must be good in school. That motivated me to have good grades and participate in this after-school program.
For example, you will not be allowed to participate if you don't attend school or have bad grades. This helped me balance it. There were also rules to regulate it for everyone.
That kind of brings me to the point that I said earlier to have a serious organization behind you when you come to this with your parents and say, “Oh, look at this, this is what I want to be doing in the future,” and having a serious organization to show for heightens your chances of them accepting that. Because I know it's tough getting acceptance from your parents when they don't know much about the industry.
I'd recommend Gameplan to aspiring players, especially players who are still in school. It will also help you motivate you for your studies and help you through school. At least, it did for me.
The Beginning Of an Inspiring Esports Career: High School Esports
Nothing makes us happier than when we talk to former Gameplan students and their success! Meet Olivia Calistus: a professional esports athlete, a brilliant student turned professional esports player, and a shining example of esports’ impact. She currently holds the top laner position on G2 Esports' League of Legends female team, one of the most recognized esports organizations in the world.
Olivia's journey began in high school, where esports immediately caught her interest. However, the pathway to professional esports wasn't a walk in the park. Facing parental skepticism, Olivia used Gameplan to prove that esports was more than just a hobby, that
esports careers and the esports ecosystem provided viable serious opportunities.
Her first step into the competitive esports world was through her high school esports team, competing against other schools, and it was an experience she found immensely enjoyable. Upon graduation, Olivia moved up the ranks, joining SK Gaming and, eventually, G2 Esports.
“My journey started when I was in high school. I always knew that I wanted to do something with esports. It caught my interest when I heard that Gameplan was going to start in our school.”
Esports in Schools: Boosting Academic Performance and Student Engagement
Olivia emphasizes the importance of diversity in esports, lauding the efforts to include more women in esports. She also credits Gameplan for fostering an environment that motivated her to improve academically, proving that integrating esports education and esports curriculums in schools boosts academic performance and student engagement.
“I think publicity is a great way to celebrate women in esports”
Olivia’s journey has been a testament to the power of esports education. Its positive impact on her life and its potential influence on aspiring esports players.
She highly recommends Gameplan to any budding player who is juggling school with their esports aspirations. By providing a platform that supports and encourages both academic and esports pursuits, Gameplan is paving the way for the next generation of successful esports professionals. So, whether you're a student with a love for esports or an educator looking for student engagement strategies to implement in a classroom and help students do more of what they love, let Olivia's story be your inspiration to give esports education a try.
Unlock Student Potential and New Ways to Engage Your Students with an Esports Curriculum
Olivia's journey is living proof that esports is not just about playing video games; it's a competitive and rewarding field that requires dedication and hard work. At Gameplan, we are incredibly proud to see such a talented, brilliant young woman succeed and inspire others.
“I'd recommend Gameplan to aspiring players, especially players who are still in school. It will help you motivate you for your school studies as well and help you through school.”
Implementing an esports curriculum and providing esports education to students increases student retention. Moreover, students feel encouraged to pursue their passion while also excelling in their academic endeavors.
Watch Olivia's video to hear more about her journey:
If you are curious about how to use esports education in your school, let us help you. Schedule a 30-minute meeting to learn more today!
Full transcript of Olivia’s Testimonial
Hi, My name is Olivia, and I’m the top laner for G2 Esports.
My journey started when I was in high school. I always knew that I wanted to do something with esports. It was natural that it caught my interest when I heard that Gameplan started in our school.
When I started esports, it was hard to convince my parents that this was a viable career opportunity. They wanted me to become an engineer or a doctor or something similar. Having Gameplan was a way to show my parents that this is for real and a serious organization. It showed my parents that esports was a real thing. When I finally got the support of especially my mom, that's when I could go 100% in esports.
The first esports team I joined was a school team, and we were playing against other schools. And that was fun. When I graduated high school, I got picked up by SK Gaming. They had a female team called SK Gaming Avarosa, and I played there for about eight months; then I got picked up by G2.
There was a specific event from Gameplan that I remember. Four or five students from our school got to go to Gameplan’s office. It was a coaching day where you got to learn many techniques to coach other players. And it made me realize that I didn't want to be a coach; I wanted to be a player instead.
What we are doing right now is a huge step already to involve more diversity and bring more women into the scene. Publicity is a great way to celebrate women in esports. For example, when organizations post and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women employees, it is good for them to see that they are appreciated, and it gives us the ability to help others who are not in this industry to see that there are women in the scene as well.
When Gameplan joined my school, it was clear to everyone that if you were going to be a part of this after-school program, you must be good in school. That motivated me to have good grades and participate in this after-school program.
For example, you will not be allowed to participate if you don't attend school or have bad grades. This helped me balance it. There were also rules to regulate it for everyone.
That kind of brings me to the point that I said earlier to have a serious organization behind you when you come to this with your parents and say, “Oh, look at this, this is what I want to be doing in the future,” and having a serious organization to show for heightens your chances of them accepting that. Because I know it's tough getting acceptance from your parents when they don't know much about the industry.
I'd recommend Gameplan to aspiring players, especially players who are still in school. It will also help you motivate you for your studies and help you through school. At least, it did for me.
Written by
Pınar (Pia) Arslan
Pınar (Pia) Arslan is the Digital Marketing Manager at Gameplan, where she applies her expertise in PR, SEO, blogging, and content creation to drive growth in the esports industry. She holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from Yeditepe University, where her research focused on gamer behavior and community dynamics through a dramaturgical and Goffmanian lens. A gamer for over 20 years, Pia blends her passion with professional expertise to enhance engagement within the gaming community. Previously an HR professional, she brings a unique perspective to her role and is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in esports.
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