If someone had told me years ago that my son’s deep passion for video games would lead to a top 10 global ranking and a career path in esports, I would have laughed. Like most parents, I urged Kendall to focus on school, apply for college, and limit his screen time. Esports? That wasn’t a real future—at least, that’s what I thought.

But Kendall wasn’t just playing—he was developing a strategic mindset, honing his competitive edge, and strengthening his leadership and problem-solving abilities. The same skills that top-tier companies seek in employees were being cultivated through gaming. Once I opened my eyes to the bigger picture, I stopped telling him to get off the game and started figuring out how to support his journey. That’s how we both entered the world of esports—him as a player, performance coach, and mental health advocate, and me as a career architect and industry consultant.

From Player to Mentor, Advocate, and Consultant

Kendall’s introduction to esports was unintentional but transformative. He had been playing Rocket League for years, but during high school—amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic—gaming became an outlet. What started as a hobby quickly propelled him to a top 10 global ranking in 3v3 competition.

At the height of his success, Kendall was offered multiple full-ride scholarships and even a six-figure NIL deal, but he turned them down to prioritize his mental health and personal growth.

Now, Kendall has expanded his role beyond competing—he is an esports consultant, performance coach, and mental health advocate. He speaks at national conferences, universities, middle schools, and high schools, educating young gamers on how to balance competition with well-being. Through one-on-one coaching, he helps players develop both their in-game skills and emotional resilience, ensuring they are prepared to navigate both the challenges and opportunities within esports and beyond.

A Mother’s Perspective: From Skeptic to Advocate

As an organizational psychologist, licensed psychotherapist, and career architect, I thought I understood career pathways. But esports challenged everything I knew. I realized there was an untapped space where performance psychology, career planning, and gaming intersected. I dove into the industry, working to bridge the gap between esports, mental wellness, and professional development.

For many emerging adults who play video games, the esports industry feels like an exclusive space reserved for professional players or streamers. They often don’t see themselves fitting into this world beyond just playing. What they don’t realize is that their problem-solving, teamwork, strategic thinking, and adaptability are highly valuable skills in countless industries—tech, media, marketing, game development, and beyond.

Our role is to help them recognize that their passion for gaming isn’t just a pastime—it’s a gateway to meaningful and lucrative career opportunities. Through coaching and career guidance, Kendall and I help them translate their in-game strengths into real-world success, showing them that the skills they develop in gaming can propel them into careers they never imagined possible.

Pioneering Programs That Reshape Gaming’s Future

Together, Kendall and I created Game On: The Tale of Two Generations in the Gaming World, a program that educates parents, players, and industry professionals on how esports can shape careers and mental wellness. We’ve spoken at major conferences, including EsportsNext and Blacks in Technology, and partnered with organizations to change perceptions about gaming and career development.

Kendall’s hands-on work in performance coaching and consulting has impacted countless young players, helping them transition from casual gamers to industry professionals.

Wellness as the Foundation for Gaming Diversity

For many young gamers, especially people of color, marginalized populations, and those without traditional career access, the esports industry presents a unique paradox—offering potential pathways forward while simultaneously feeling out of reach. This intersection of opportunity and barrier is where our work focuses most intensely.

The mental health challenges in esports are particularly pronounced for diverse players, who often face additional obstacles including discrimination, lack of representation, and imposter syndrome. These players don’t see enough people who look like them in leadership roles, lack clear pathways into professional gaming careers, and frequently don’t have the support systems needed to manage the pressures of competition and industry expectations.

That’s why emotional wellness forms the foundation of our approach to diversity and inclusion in gaming. Without intentional mental health support paired with career guidance, many talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds struggle to transition into sustainable careers—despite possessing the skills to thrive in this environment.

Kendall and I have worked extensively in this unique intersection, helping players navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, performance pressure, and self-doubt while simultaneously building bridges to career opportunities. Through our mentorship, coaching, and practical application approach, we ensure that players develop both the mental resilience and professional skills needed to succeed—not just in gaming, but in their personal and professional lives as well.

For many young gamers, especially people of color, marginalized populations, and those without traditional career access, the esports industry presents a unique paradox—offering potential pathways forward while simultaneously feeling out of reach

Our workforce development program reflects this integrated philosophy, built on three essential pillars: targeted mentorship, comprehensive emotional wellness support, and practical daily life skills. This holistic approach ensures that players from all backgrounds are not only prepared for careers in the esports ecosystem but also equipped with the tools to manage the unique challenges they’ll face along the way.

Transforming Passion into Professional Purpose

What started as a battle over screen time in our home—”Get off that game!”—has evolved into a mission to transform how the world sees gaming. We’ve discovered that esports isn’t just about competition; it’s a gateway to innovation, leadership, and career transformation for a generation of talented young people.

Together, we’re leveling up the conversation and revealing the full potential of esports as a pathway to professional success. But to truly break down barriers and create sustainable opportunities, we need partners who believe in the power of gaming to shape tomorrow’s workforce.

We’re seeking visionary collaborators from three key sectors:

Companies & Investors: If your organization is looking to diversify its talent pipeline, invest in the future of gaming, or make a real impact in the esports workforce development, we want to collaborate with you.

Esports & Tech Leaders: If you are committed to building a more inclusive industry and need fresh, high-potential talent, let’s work together to create structured pathways into gaming, esports, and tech careers.

Universities & Educational Institutions: If you’re preparing students for the future of work, let’s explore how we can integrate esports into career development initiatives and equip students with industry-ready skills.

This is more than an idea—it’s a movement to ensure every player has a real chance to thrive. We’re focused on “Putting More Talent in the Game,” transforming gaming passion into professional purpose.

We are building something revolutionary, but we need partners who see what’s possible and are ready to invest in the next generation of talent. If your organization is ready to be part of the solution, let’s connect.

The players are ready. The future is here. Who’s ready to build it with us?