About Garden State Esports
Started by New Jersey Teachers in 2019
Garden State Esports is a New Jersey nonprofit. We run esports leagues and state championships for middle and high schools, train the teachers who coach, run student production crews, and connect students with colleges.
Educator-led · 400+ schools · 12,000+ students statewide
Where It All Began
A Solution That Outgrew The Pandemic
We started hosting esports competitions for New Jersey schools in 2019. When COVID-19 closed school buildings, we turned it into a real league because esports kept students connected to school and to each other. Students found teammates, made friends, and had a reason to log on every week. In 2020, that became a nonprofit, and it has kept growing since.
2019
Our first competitions for New Jersey schools.
2020
Schools close. Esports keeps students connected, and we start the nonprofit.
2021
Our first state championship.
2022
Valkyrie launches for girls and gender diverse gamers. Unified launches for students with disabilities and their general education teammates.
2023
The Collegiate Conference launches, the nation’s first face-to-face collegiate esports league.
2026
Our first College Combine at Brookdale. Colleges make 191 recruitment offers to New Jersey students.
Today
400+ schools, 12,000+ students, and 21 colleges.
“We built GSE to give every New Jersey student a team they could belong to and a reason to stay connected to school.”
What We Do
What GSE Runs Across New Jersey
GSE was started by New Jersey teachers. We run the competition, and we also train coaches, run student production crews, and connect students with colleges.
Leagues and Seasons
Fall, winter, and spring seasons with four leagues: Championship, Contenders, Valkyrie, and Unified. Teams compete from their own schools during the regular season.
Learn more
State Championships
Every season ends with in-person state championships hosted at New Jersey colleges. We have awarded 141 state championships since 2021.
Learn more
Coach Training
We train the teachers who coach, including an annual coaching workshop at Rutgers. We also help with equipment, IT setup, and district approval.
Learn more
Student Broadcasting
On the Mic teaches students to call matches. Behind the Boards teaches them to run cameras, graphics, and the streams for our championships.
Learn more
College Pathways
Our College Combine led to 191 recruitment offers in 2026. The Collegiate Conference gives students 21 New Jersey colleges where they can keep competing.
Learn more
Valkyrie and Unified
Valkyrie is a league for girls and gender diverse gamers. Unified teams pair students with disabilities and general education students as equal teammates.
Learn more
By the Numbers
Where GSE Stands Today
400+
Member Schools Across New Jersey
12,000+
Students Reached Annually
21
In-State College Partners
2,400+
Girls Served by GSE
191
Recruitment Offers Made to Students at the 2026 College Combine
$1M+
Offered In Scholarship and Merit-Based Aid
97%
Of Students Made New Friends
98%
Of Students Say Their Coach Is A Trusted Adult
Percentages come from GSE student surveys, 2022 to 2025. Recruitment offers are from the 2026 College Combine.
Our Team
Educators Leading the Work
GSE is led by educators who understand students, schools, and scholastic esports.
Chris Aviles
Founder & President
Regina Schaffer
Vice President
Jim McKowen
Vice President
Mike Johnson
Director of Competition
John DiMarco
Collegiate Conference Commissioner
Christine Wozniak
Director of Tournament Operations
Doug Boersma
Director of Production
Beau "Protroid" LaManna
Director of Student Broadcasting
Kiera Karl
Director of Student Workforce Experiences
Deana Baumert
Director of Marketing
Kaitlynn Bunch
Director of Unified
Patricia Dennis
Director of Research
Traci Sellers
Website and Tournament Operations
Mike Seeley
Tournament Operations
Rob Weiss
Tournament Operations
Alyssa Miller
Tournament Operations
Mike Trumbauer
Tournament Operations
Advisory Board
Garden State Esports is strengthened by advisors who bring expertise from education, higher education, workforce development, technology, youth development, and community partnerships.
Steve Isaacs
DIRECTOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION AT EPIC GAMES
Patrice Maillet
Former NJ School Boards Association
Dr. Matt Strobel
Navesink Psychological Services
Laurence Cocco
Former Dept. of Education
Michael Kvidahl
NJ School Boards Association
Trusted Across New Jersey
Trusted by Schools, Colleges, and State Leaders
GSE works alongside New Jersey’s education organizations, from the school boards association to Rutgers. Each logo links to the partnership or recognition behind it.
Garden State Esports is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN 85-0529233.
Take the Next Step
Bring GSE to Your School
If you work at a school, start here. If you’re a college, partner, or reporter, send us a note and we’ll get back to you.