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What began as a small student club has officially grown into Solomon’s newest KSHSAA‑sanctioned activity. Under the leadership of Coach Erick Underwood, the district launched its first year of competitive E‑Sports—opening the door for students to connect, compete, and shine in a whole new arena.
KSHSAA now creates statewide schedules for E‑Sports, which Underwood says has made the transition from club to sport far smoother. “Having an official schedule in place takes a lot of the guesswork out,” he explained. “It helps schools treat E‑Sports just like any other activity.” Funding for the program comes through the district’s activities and athletics budget.
And the students? They’re all in.
E‑Sports has quickly become a place where students who may not participate in traditional sports or clubs can find their niche. The team environment, strategy, and fast‑paced gameplay have created a space where new friendships form and confidence grows.
Underwood admits he had a few reservations early on—mainly around scheduling and coordinating with other schools—but those concerns faded quickly. With the structure KSHSAA provides, he’s been able to focus on communication, building relationships with other programs, and supporting his players.
As a first‑year sport, the goal is simple: get as many students involved as possible. Underwood hopes to expand the variety of games offered so students of all skill levels can find something they enjoy. Stats vary by game—ranging from points scored to team performance to even the characters students choose in titles like Mario Kart.
The opportunities extend beyond high school, too. Unlike traditional sports, which have scholarship caps, E‑Sports programs at the collegiate level can offer significantly more—some even providing full‑ride scholarships.
Another unique feature: all schools, regardless of size, compete in the same statewide league. There are no 1A, 2A, or 6A divisions—just one unified playing field.
For Underwood, the best part of coaching is the energy his students bring to each match.
“I think it’s just really fun to see the kids succeed. When they get really excited about achieving something—for example, when they get a knockout in Super Smash Bros.—I feed off of that energy of excitement with them.”
As Solomon’s E‑Sports program continues to grow, one thing is clear: this new activity is giving students a place to belong, compete, and celebrate their achievements together.