At Cumberland County High School, esports is still a growing program, but for Ethan Phipps, it has already become something much bigger than just playing video games.
From the moment he first picked up a controller, Phipps was hooked. Phipps said his dad got him into playing Super Mario Brothers 3, along with other Nintendo games. That early introduction eventually led him to explore other titles, including Rayman on Xbox, building a foundation that would carry him into competitive gaming years later.
Now a member and captain of the Jets’ Valorant team, Phipps has turned a childhood hobby into a leadership role in one of the school’s newest athletic programs.
Esports at Cumberland County is still developing, but the program has already begun competing at the state level. Phipps said the experience goes far beyond wins and losses.
“You always have someone who has your similar interests,” Phipps said. “You always have someone who has probably played the game that you are [playing,] so when you are wanting to talk about it after you played it, you have someone to talk to. There’s never not a conversation you can have.”
That sense of connection has been one of the biggest rewards. Phipps said he has built strong friendships through the team, forming bonds with teammates who share the same passion for gaming and competition.
But growth has not just come socially. It has also been personal. Phipps said one of the biggest improvements he has noticed is his control and composure during gameplay.
“That’s so far been the best part,” Phipps said. “My hands are less shaky now when I do aim, which has been pretty nice.”
Early on, Phipps said nerves and adjusting to the sensitivity of the controls made competing a challenge. Over time, though, those obstacles turned into strengths.
This season brought a breakthrough moment when the Jets secured a win in Valorant, a game Phipps nearly avoided altogether.
“I had wanted to get into Valorant previously before,” Phipps said. “I had been pushed away from it because the community can be pretty rough, but with E-Sports and stuff, we needed people to fill in for Valorant, so I was like I’ll try to play.”
What started as a reluctant decision quickly turned into something more. After a difficult start, Phipps said he began to find his rhythm, and eventually, his passion for the game. Now, Valorant has become one of his favorites, and Phipps leads the team as its captain..