Abilene ISD Esports team ranks Top 10% worldwide in Rocket League
In their brief existence, they've had some real success, especially from one student in particular.
I had the chance to speak with members of the team to learn more about how this came to be.
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AISD Esports Student Nehemiah Daughtery said, 'So I've been playing since 2018, so that's about seven years. Give or take.'
AISD Esports Student Brian McNally said, 'I've been playing on and off since 2019.'
Daughtery said, 'It's a big experience, more than just being car soccer. It's a way to meet people, make connections, learn about yourself.'
Coach, AISD Esports Team Head Coach Andy Hope said, 'I see them constantly improving every day. They work so hard. In fact, I have to kick them out of my lab when we go home a lot because they're just here grinding, getting better at the game.'
The name of the game is Rocket League, one of three games that the Abilene ISD Esports teams competes in.
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Hope said, 'We've really been taking this seriously for about two years now, kind of been planning for that extra year for three.'
But in just a short time, they've found success.
Daughtery said, 'I'm champion one, which is the second highest rank before you enter the pro leagues. That falls into the area of top 10%, just about.'
Top 10 percent not in Abilene, or Texas, or America…in the entire world!
Daughtery said, 'you know, I'm very grateful for the people that helped me get there my coach, my teammates, everyone else.'
McNally said, 'we've been recognized multiple times, not even out in public of a professional tournament. We've been recognized by other people.'
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Hope said, 'they're passionate about it. I've really enjoyed getting to know them. It's a great way to to build a coaching-athlete, a relationship with kids that normally wouldn't have that experience. That's really cool to find a new niche for these kids to come in and bond.'
The Esports realm is still taking shape in the Big Country, but those who have taken part have plenty to celebrate.
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Abilene ISD Esports team ranks Top 10% worldwide in Rocket League
ABILENE, Texas (BCH Sports) – Esports are becoming a hot trend, and that's backed by Abilene ISD's new Esports program. In their brief existence, they've had some real success, especially from one student in particular. I had the chance to speak with members of the team to learn more about how this came to be. Advertisement AISD Esports Student Nehemiah Daughtery said, 'So I've been playing since 2018, so that's about seven years. Give or take.' AISD Esports Student Brian McNally said, 'I've been playing on and off since 2019.' Daughtery said, 'It's a big experience, more than just being car soccer. It's a way to meet people, make connections, learn about yourself.' Coach, AISD Esports Team Head Coach Andy Hope said, 'I see them constantly improving every day. They work so hard. In fact, I have to kick them out of my lab when we go home a lot because they're just here grinding, getting better at the game.' The name of the game is Rocket League, one of three games that the Abilene ISD Esports teams competes in. Advertisement Hope said, 'We've really been taking this seriously for about two years now, kind of been planning for that extra year for three.' But in just a short time, they've found success. Daughtery said, 'I'm champion one, which is the second highest rank before you enter the pro leagues. That falls into the area of top 10%, just about.' Top 10 percent not in Abilene, or Texas, or America…in the entire world! Daughtery said, 'you know, I'm very grateful for the people that helped me get there my coach, my teammates, everyone else.' McNally said, 'we've been recognized multiple times, not even out in public of a professional tournament. We've been recognized by other people.' Advertisement Hope said, 'they're passionate about it. I've really enjoyed getting to know them. It's a great way to to build a coaching-athlete, a relationship with kids that normally wouldn't have that experience. That's really cool to find a new niche for these kids to come in and bond.' The Esports realm is still taking shape in the Big Country, but those who have taken part have plenty to celebrate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB -
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