SPIRE Academy is making a major expansion to its esports program with the introduction of a team focused solely on VALORANT. This momentous move reflects SPIRE’s commitment to the growth of competitive gaming at the high-school level.

Under the expert guidance of seasoned head coach Jack Pennington, SPIRE’s VALORANT team members, Landon Hawthorne, Grant Robertson, Derrick Polk and Brady McComb, will emerge as a formidable powerhouse. Combining determination with innovative problem-solving and team-play tactics will prime them to compete at the highest echelons of esports competition.

SPIRE Academy is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of its VALORANT players. The school offers them access to top-tier resources and state-of-the-art facilities within a tight-knit, supportive community. This allows the team to focus on strategic gameplay and teamwork as they gear up to make their mark on the competitive scene.

At SPIRE not only are they honing their skills in the game, but these players are also preparing for a successful future in esports. In a recent interview, Coach Pennington explained how they benefit from all the sports equipment and training available saying, “In our world being physically active doesn’t make you a better player. But feeling better makes you a better player. Feeling more active, being more healthy, it just makes you a better-rounded individual.”

Coach Pennington also explained how training at SPIRE is helping these players be ready for collegiate gaming with the goal of getting them full-ride VALORANT scholarships. He told us that because collegiate VALORANT isn’t regulated by the NCAA, “any school can offer a full ride, and there’s a lot of schools that do.” He and SPIRE are hard at work helping these players to prepare for these opportunities.

Marking a new era, the esports program enters the dynamic world of VALORANT. Here, fans, students and the gaming community can look forward to intense competitions and performances.

Learn more about SPIRE Academy’s esports program here!