About Garden State Esports
Building Better Futures Through Scholastic Esports
Garden State Esports is New Jersey’s nonprofit scholastic esports organization, helping schools create opportunities for students to belong, lead, prepare for college, and develop career-ready skills through education-based esports.
Educator-led · 400+ schools · 12,000+ students statewide
Why We Exist
Every Student Deserves a Place to Belong
Many students never find their place in traditional extracurriculars. GSE uses esports as the vehicle to help students connect with school, build friendships, develop leadership, and discover future opportunities.
The Challenge
Too many students sit on the sidelines of their school, disconnected from teams, clubs, and communities where they could thrive.
Our Approach
GSE meets students where they are, using scholastic esports to create structured, educator-led spaces for belonging and growth.
Our North Star
Competition is the vehicle. Student development is the destination.
The Destination
College pathways, workforce readiness, inclusive programs, and leadership opportunities that extend far beyond the game.
By the Numbers
Impact That Builds Trust Across New Jersey
400+
Member Schools Across New Jersey
12,000+
Students Reached Annually
22
In-State College Partners
2,400+
Girls Served Through Valkyrie
190+
Scholarship Offers Including 12 Full-rides In 2025 - 2026
1M+
Earned In Scholarship and Merit-Based Aid
97%
Of Students Made New Friends
98%
Of Students Say Their Coach Is A Trusted Adult
What Makes Us Different
What Makes GSE Different
GSE is not just a tournament operator. We are New Jersey’s educator-led student development ecosystem powered by scholastic esports.
Educator-Led
Built by New Jersey educators who understand schools, students, and after-school programs.
Student-Centered
Every initiative is designed around belonging, leadership, and opportunity.
More Than Competition
GSE connects students to college pathways, workforce development, inclusive programs, and leadership roles.
Statewide Community
Schools, colleges, coaches, families, and partners working together across New Jersey.
Inclusive by Design
Valkyrie and Unified expand access so more students can participate and belong.
Career Connected
Students gain experience in broadcasting, production, event operations, officiating, and creative technology.
Where It All Began
A Solution That Outgrew The Pandemic
When schools closed during COVID-19, we searched for new ways to keep students connected to school and to each other. What we discovered was that esports could be far more than a game. It became a place where students found teammates, built friendships, developed confidence, and rediscovered a reason to engage with school. What began as a response to an unprecedented moment has grown into a statewide nonprofit serving hundreds of schools and thousands of students, using esports to create belonging, leadership, and college and career opportunities.
“We built GSE to give every New Jersey student a team they could belong to and a reason to stay connected to school.”
Our Ecosystem
One Statewide Student Development Ecosystem
Every initiative connects competition to belonging, opportunity, and futures beyond the game.
Trusted Across New Jersey
Trusted by Schools, Colleges, and State Leaders
Trusted by New Jersey's leading educational organizations, Garden State Esports brings together K-12 education, higher education, and state leadership to create student-centered esports experiences that foster belonging, leadership, workforce readiness, and pathways to future success. Click the logos to learn more.
Leadership Team
Educators Leading the Work
GSE is led by educators who understand students, schools, and scholastic esports.
Chris Aviles
Regina Schaffer
Jim McKowen
Mike Johnson
Traci Sellers
Doug Boersma
Deanna Baumert
Christine Wozniak
Kaitlynn Bunch
Kiera Karl
John Demarco
Mike Seeley
Beau "Protroid" LaManna
Rob Weiss
Alyssa Miller
Patricia Dennis
Mike Trumbauer
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 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
Take the Next Step
Join the Movement
Whether you are a school, college, educator, sponsor, or community partner, Garden State Esports is building opportunities that extend far beyond competition.