Penfield High School’s Esports Club is just three years old, but that was all the time it needed to rise to the top.

Sophomores Evan Benedict, Robert Baldasty, and Charles Cottone, who make up Penfield’s Rocket League team, delivered a thrilling performance to capture the program’s first state title at the 2026 Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF) Championship, held earlier this month at Syracuse University.

Team Thor, Penfield’s Marvel Rivals team, also delivered an impressive performance and earned a second-place finish at states.

In New York, high school competitions are organized by ESSEF, a nonprofit founded by educators to support scholastic esports. Through leagues, regional tournaments, and in-person championships, ESSEF promotes academic achievement, teamwork, and career exploration within a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment.

The Esports Club is advised by teachers Matthew Smith and Andrew Fichera, who built all of the computers for the program two years ago, helping lay the foundation for Penfield’s continued success.

The team practices together three times a week in the computer lab and competes in online matches on Thursdays against high schools from across the state. Outside of scheduled practices, the players spend additional time playing together at home — building chemistry that showed during high‑pressure moments at the state championship.

“I really like the competitive nature,” said Cottone. “It’s fun playing with people I know in such a high‑level environment.”

In the spring, the teams competed through an eight-week bracket season, which included hundreds of teams statewide across various games. Only the top four teams in each game advanced to the state championship.

Rocket League is a fast‑paced esports title often described as soccer with rocket‑powered cars. Players work in constant rotation, passing, defending, and attacking as they attempt to score more goals than their opponent. Matches typically last five to seven minutes, particularly when overtime is involved. According to the coaches, staying focused during those tense moments is key.

“Our job as coaches is to help them communicate and keep their confidence up,” said Smith. “The only thing we can really control is bringing the hype and keeping the energy positive. They respond extremely well to positive reinforcement. When they believe in each other, they’re tough to stop.”

Precision, communication, and teamwork are essential — and Penfield demonstrated all three under pressure.

A Dramatic Championship Run

Penfield advanced to the championship against Pelham Preparatory Academy, facing a packed venue and a highly energized crowd.

One moment stood out above all others.

With just 12 seconds left in a critical match, Benedict scored a dramatic goal to keep the ball alive. With the clock winding down to zero, he kept the ball in the air and play alive, before executing an “air dribble flip reset” and smashing the ball into the net.

“It was incredible to watch,” said Smith. “As a team, they’re very resilient. When they’re down on the scoreboard, they don’t panic — they communicate and find a way back.”

The team took the momentum from that win to seize control of the best‑of‑seven match and claim the championship.

Following their state title, the team is now preparing for its next challenge: the PlayVS Cup High School National Esports Championship, where they’ll represent Penfield and New York State on a national stage on Monday, May 18.

For a program in its infancy, Penfield Esports rocketed to the top — and is just getting started.