In the 2025-26 season, the Paideia high school esports team has set high expectations for themselves. Led by coaches Lou Casillas and Brad Johnson, the team has rosters in Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 3.
The formation of the esports team is relatively recent compared to other Paideia sports, being only recently formed in the 2022-23 school year.
The team competes in the Georgia High School Association league, where they have done very well in previous years, advancing through the playoffs in Smash and Mario Kart.
Last year, the Mario Kart team advanced to the quarterfinals, the farthest the team has gotten since their debut. This year, they aim to compete against other schools, do well in the league and, most importantly, have lots of fun.
Coach Brad Johnson says it is exciting to see the esports team develop their skills and friendships while excelling in the games they play. “I enjoy watching the come-from-behind events, where a squad is down and on the ropes and they rally and pull out a win,” Johnson says.
In his opinion, these moments are what make esports great. The club is very beginner-friendly, welcoming “noobs” and “pros” alike to expand their knowledge and skill of video games, while having fun at the same time.
