Breaking new ground, one more athlete joins the Keyano Huskies Esports Team

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The world of Esports is evolving, and Keyano College is making significant steps to ensure it remains a key player in this dynamic field. The recent addition of a talented athlete to the Keyano Huskies team underscores the college's commitment to promoting competitive gaming talent and providing new opportunities for students interested in this rapidly growing industry.

From a young age, Jasmine Manankil, the newest member of the Huskies, has been deeply immersed in the gaming world. "It pretty much started ever since I was little, like six years old. My brother really got me into gaming," she shares. Her journey began with console games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and later transitioned to PC games such as Counter-Strike and Minecraft. By 14, she was already competing at a high level, joining a co-ed team in the ESEA advanced league—a significant achievement for someone her age. Esports Entertainment Association (ESEA) is a competitive gaming platform and community known for organizing tournaments and leagues, particularly in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS).

As she honed her skills, Jasmine caught the attention of major organizations. At just 15, she signed with Cloud9, a well-known name in the Esports industry. Her time with Cloud9 saw her win seven consecutive North American Championships in Valorant and secure a fourth-place finish at the Women's Valorant World Championships. "Cloud9 had never signed a female team before, so being part of that first step and journey with the Valorant scene was heartwarming," Jasmine reflects.

Jasmine shared how the intense demands of balancing high school with her professional gaming career made it feel like more of a job at times. "While being signed with Cloud9, I was also in high school... At the time, gaming felt like it was more of a job than my passion and something I wanted to pursue," she admits. Despite this, Jasmine's dedication and passion for gaming continued to drive her forward, illustrating the resilience needed to succeed in Esports while managing other responsibilities.

Myra Davis, Esports Head Coach & Esports Arena Coordinator at Keyano College, is optimistic about the future at the college and beyond. "For us who have worked professionally in Esports, sometimes we forget that the rest of society hasn't really caught on yet. But over time, there will be many different initiatives to bring it into the mainstream," Myra explains. She envisions a future where Esports becomes a natural part of the cultural landscape, particularly as younger generations continue to embrace it.

Jasmine's advice to those considering a career in Esports is straightforward: "If it's something that you really want to pursue, either professionally or for yourself, it definitely takes a lot of time and dedication. Do your research, and do what you love." Myra echoes this, emphasizing the importance of focusing on growth rather than solely aiming to become a professional. "The real thing is just practicing with purpose... It's good to spend time actively playing the game, but investing time learning from others on the Internet is also fundamental," she advises.

With Keyano College expanding its investment in Esports, students' opportunities to explore this exciting field are growing. Jasmine's addition to the Huskies is just the beginning, signalling a bright future for Esports at the college and offering inspiration to young gamers aiming to level up their careers.