Brightly-lit faces, hunched backs, and frantic typing characterize the various members of PHS’s eSports club. First founded during the 2018–19 school year, the eSports club was created in order to establish a common ground where all gamers at PHS could congregate and work toward tearing down the stereotypes surrounding the gaming community. 
After building up a following of students, the eSports club faced a few hurdles with the banning of first-person shooter games by the Learning Commons at the start of the 2019–20 school year, and a parent voicing their concerns regarding their child’s participation in a club that sanctioned the playing of violent games. However, as the rest of PHS’s athletes have suffered due to the cancellation or rescheduling of all practices and games through May 15, the eSports club has been thriving. Taking advantage of this period of isolation, the club has further bonded and strengthened their team and looks forward to redefining what it means to be part of a gaming community.
 “We have a joke in our club [about] how … eSports wasn’t [considered] a sport [before quarantine], but now eSports [is] the only sport,” said Bill Zheng ’20, vice-president and manager of the eSports club. 
Although the playing fields remain manicured despite holding no games, this is not the case for popular streaming sites such as Twitch. With some of its members streaming their own games and a tight-knit Discord chat to follow, the eSports club has been able to increase the level of rapport among members.
“[I] think the attitude and our mindset change was definitely one of the biggest factors. 
Before the quarantine, everyone was thinking selfishly like, ‘I’ll carry this team.’ Everyone was on their solo missions,” said Anthony Momo ’21. “Once we started actually playing with each other, we decided to contribute [as a team] and everyone bonded because of that. In the end, everyone gained more respect for each other.”
	With the closure of school and the onset of remote learning, members have enjoyed the luxury of increased free time. Nyima Shawa ’21 and JP Kinney ’23 have performed especially well in their respective games — Minecraft and Super Smash Bros Ultimate — with Shawa placing as high as rank one on his server. 
	“Minecraft is a pretty mechanical game, and during the quarantine, I was given time to [get back into shape],” said Shawa. “During the school year I couldn’t really dedicate myself to consistently play and ‘sharpen’ my mechanics, but this past month I could do that.” 
	Aside from the improved performance of individual members, this increased free time has also granted teams within the club to really regroup and comb through some logistics to make sure that all operations are running smoothly.
“Before, each player didn’t have a specific role during [the game, but] now we’re able to give each player specific ‘jobs’ on a team, which would not be possible without massive team cooperation,” Zheng said.
With their original purpose being to break down some of the stereotypes associated with gaming, this time of quarantine has provided just that. Rather than being a breeding ground for the toxicity often found in competitive gaming groups, the eSports Club recognizes the usage of streaming as a way for people to come together in this time of separation.
“The good thing about streaming is you are able to find people from all over the world. People are in different situations and knowing that them watching you helps them make their lives better is important,” said Adam Lipschutz ’21. “We are definitely interacting with each other a lot more, and being together brings us funny moments and awesome plays. … Having a community that supports you makes everyone feel good, and [you] can have a good time even if [you] are down.”


As bleachers are left empty, PHS’s eSports club rises in the ranks

“I wanted to do everything she did,” said Jordan Guidi ’20. 
At five years old, Guidi had already found her ambitious side. Following in the footsteps of her sister, Bianca Guidi ’18, Guidi started softball as a form of sibling rivalry. Now, as she nears the end of her senior year, Guidi’s dedication has left its mark on PHS’s softball program. 
Given Cranbury’s small team, Guidi was confronted with few opportunities to pursue her interest in softball. Unfazed by such limitations, Guidi turned her focus from the performance of the team to her own self-improvement.
	“I just think about myself, as weird as it is. I think about [how] no matter how else anyone is playing, I'm going to play my best and do my best,” Guidi said.
	By appreciating the individual aspect of the game, Guidi is able to excel and establish herself as a powerhouse on the field.
	“She's a very good hitter,” said Head Coach Marissa Soprano. “She's had multiple home runs which is not something all the girls are strong enough to do. … You can also see her competitiveness come out when she's at bat. She really likes to hit, and just wants to do well and drive her teammates in to score a few runs.”
Guidi has also filled numerous other roles on the team. During her freshman year, she split her time between both the JV and varsity programs, proving her dedication and versatility.
	“She has been someone that has been able to perform at all levels,” said Soprano. “Her first position is not pitching. She doesn't love it, but she knows that it's one of the necessary parts of the game. So over the course of her career at PHS, I've asked her to pitch in different games and she has done it really without complaining. She has been there for the team when I know she probably preferred to play somewhere else.”
	Guidi attributes her success and team spirit to the guidance of her sister. Having played together for 12 years until her sister’s graduation in 2018, Guidi was able to have a two-year overlap with her sister where she saw the way her sister built the team up.
	“When we were on the team together, she always talked to me when I was having problems or when I was upset about something and she would always handle things really well. … So I guess I always looked up to her [for] how she handled things,” Guidi said.
	Even as Guidi has shown her skill as a player, she recalls certain memories and games that have taught her the importance of teamwork over individual success.
	“[My sister and I] played a game and we [were] on the same team, but the whole time, … we would just push each other over and fight to get the ball instead of working together to get it,” Guidi said.
	Participating in team workouts over Zoom and leading small group discussions in order to encourage bonding as a team, Guidi still looks for opportunities despite the team’s softball season being suspended due to school closure. Although her actions are voluntary, Guidi’s contributions don’t go unnoticed.
	“We are both pitchers, so we kind of have to lean on each other. If I can’t pitch a game, I can count on Jordan to be ready to get there in the game, she makes me feel more secure,” said teammate Kylee Tucholski ’21.
After spending so many years in the sport, Guidi reflects back on what made her stay for so long.
“I'm just here because I like playing the sport. … Have fun. Make friends. Don't let it be a bad memory. Make it a good memory,” Guidi said.

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