Frenship ISD Esports has expanded rapidly over the past several years, creating opportunities for students to compete in a variety of games at a high level. Memorial High School Esports Coach Brian Singletary, is excited about the program’s growth. 

“We have seen the number of kids who have participated in Esports grow every year. We have also added new games due to growing interest by our student body,” said Singletary. “To start, Frenship competed in League of Legends, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Now, between both High Schools, we have Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros, Fortnite, and Mario Kart, with students already showing interest in creating Valorant and Apex teams next year.” 

Coach Singletary also emphasized the academic and social benefits of student participation in Esports, noting that the program helps students grow in core subjects, build teamwork and belonging, improve attendance, and stay motivated to keep their grades up in order to compete.  

“We have students who are competing in Esports that may not be representing Frenship if it wasn't for our program,” said Singletary. 

One example of an outstanding student is Frenship High School 2025 graduate, Issac DeLeon, whose dedication and skill in Esports have made a lasting impact, bringing success to Frenship and paving the way for his current achievement of earning a starting position on the University of New Mexico’s Cherry Team, the school’s highest-level Esports roster. 

“Issac was our team captain from the very first time he tried out for our program. He was one of the first players to represent Frenship High School in our Overwatch team,” said Singletary. “I watched him try out and knew immediately that I needed him on the team. From there, Issac filled in every role that we needed and was the vocal team leader from day one.” 

DeLeon’s impact on the program was immediate, and his leadership only grew stronger with each season.  

“The first year on our Overwatch team, Issac helped take our team to the State Championship in Texas and helped us secure the victory against the #1 ranked school in Texas,” said Singletary. “Each successful year, Issac helped lead our team to playoffs and multiple tournament championships, including the Hub City Showdown. Throughout his time in our program, Issac was offered multiple scholarships from a variety of schools, including Lubbock Christian and Wayland Baptist.”  

DeLeon explained that his passion for Esports began well before his collegiate career. 

“I decided to get involved in Esports as I had already played the game (Overwatch) for years at that point and had played it competitively before. I wanted to pursue it in college because in high school, some of my best memories were winning and hanging out with the people on my team; it was a no-brainer to join after that,” said DeLeon. 

After a series of scrimmages and tryouts, DeLeon earned a starting spot on the UNM Cherry Team, the university’s highest-level roster. 

“We scrimmaged for three hours against another team while the coaches watched to see who stood out. From there, I earned a spot on the Cherry Team, which is their version of varsity and the highest level,” said DeLeon. 

DeLeon is most excited about competing at the collegiate level and the chance to grow with his team. 

“I’m most excited to have more competition, as I love competing and the feeling of winning and getting better as a team,” said DeLeon. 

He feels grateful for his time at Frenship High School in the Esports program and the lessons it taught him.

“It means a lot to know that I can make the leap to the next level, going from high school to college,” said DeLeon. “FHS prepared me by forcing me to learn how to work with all different types of people and how to lead and build a team no matter the condition.” 

DeLeon also gave credit to the support system around him during his time at Frenship. 

“I want to give a shoutout to my teammates from the year I graduated: Grayson Jenkins, Jaxon Pleasant, Isabelle Gutierrez, Addie Barbre, and Jayden Butt.”  

DeLeon’s journey serves as an inspiration to current and future Frenship Esports athletes. His success demonstrates not only the personal opportunities available through competitive gaming but also the strength of Frenship ISD’s commitment to providing innovative extracurricular programs. 

Congratulations, Issac DeLeon! Frenship ISD looks forward to seeing your continued success both in the classroom and on the collegiate Esports stage.