The Gloucester High School electronic sports (esports) team, also known as the “Undead Dukes,” is set to begin next season as a fully sanctioned sport under the Virginia High School League.

In 2019, GHS visual arts teacher Lauren Leszczynski and cybersecurity teacher Connor Butler began coaching the esports team in year “zero,” a pilot stage for the program operated by PlayVS. The team started with League of Legends and took a break during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program came back for the 2021-2022 school year with additional games, which included Rocket League, Smash Bros. and Overwatch.

Esports at GHS has grown from six players to 21 by the end of the 2022-2023 school year. The Undead Dukes had several seniors who have now graduated.

“I’m trying to recruit more students,” said Leszczynski.

There are several benefits to being on an esports team, including college scholarships. According to Leszczynski, there are lots of colleges now that recruit students to play for es...