The eSports program at Lancaster High School has seen a year full of growth and accomplishment. To cap off their exciting run, the team is celebrating their coach Mario Villalobos, who was recently honored with a National Play VS Community Trailblazer Award for his role in uplifting eSports in the school’s community.

This national award, which was presented by Play VS and Generation eSports, is given to individuals who go above and beyond to grow scholastic eSports in their schools, communities, and across their states. 

Since joining the High School Esports League (HSEL) in 2022, Coach Villalobos has transformed Lancaster High’s program into a model of excellence and inclusion. His students compete across multiple platforms, including PlayVS competitions, and have qualified for National championships the last three years, and he’s helped elevate esports throughout the entire Antelope Valley.

From hosting incredible events in our state-of-the-art esports lab to connecting students through the power of gaming, Coach Villalobos lives and breathes student-centered leadership. At HSEL Nationals 2024, his energy was unmatched, and it was clear to everyone he is a coach that is truly committed to uplifting students.

Lancaster Principal Zach Mercier is one individual who saw this honor coming long before the powerhouse eSports organizations did, predicting after last year’s Nationals that Coach Villalobos would receive the award for the upcoming year. He was confident knowing that the coach has poured his heart into the students for the betterment of eSports as a place of inclusivity and to grow the program across the Antelope Valley.

Congratulations to Coach Villalobos for being a National Community Trailblazer! His impact is and leadership are inspiring, and we are excited to see what more is to come for eSports in the district!