One Last Game: Seniors Last Season in Esports

Senior Esports Players and their head coach share their thoughts on entering into their last season together.

By: Michael Flores and Jonathan Flores

The Esports club at Redwood has gained recognition by achieving second place in the state for Mario Kart during the Fall 2023 season. With a record of five wins and three losses, the team advanced to the state finals, significantly raising the profile of Esports at the school.

David Mendez, ’25, a member of the Mario Kart 8 varsity team, shared that his favorite part of the season was “hanging out with friends and making new connections throughout my gaming journey.”

Mendez offered valuable advice for newcomers to esports and younger players: “Even if you don’t get along with your teammates, it’s essential to work together to become a successful team.”

The Mario Kart team primarily consists of seniors who have achieved an impressive win ratio over the past three seasons, recording 18 wins and 6 losses. They hold an overall game record of 36 wins and 14 losses and have made it to the playoffs every season, including one appearance in the state finals last year.

Marlene Aguirre, ’25, who is the Club President for Esports and has been the Team Captain for Mario Kart since the Fall ’23 Season, shared her favorite part about Esports: “Connecting with all of the different people and how everyone gets along.”

Aguirre also shared some advice to newcomers who want to Join Esports in the future and said: “Just go for it. Don’t knock it til you try it.”

Mr. Jonathan Woodbury, the coach of the Nintendo esports teams for Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, expressed mixed feelings about his top players entering their final season together.

Woodbury said, “I’m happy but in a bittersweet way. I know they will remain committed to esports in the future, but it saddens me to see them go since I’ve watched them grow and improve since they were freshmen,” says Mr. Woodbury.

As of February 28th, the Mario Kart team has a record of 2 wins and 1 loss early in the season. The team hopes to secure a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive season and aims to bring the school its first esports title in history.

Mendez’s primary goal for his final season is to “place in the top three in the Mario Kart league for the Pacific region.”

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