Every week at Mercy Academy, a team of girls gather to hone their skills ahead of an upcoming matchup. However, rather than the customary sounds one might expect from a sports team--like the resounding smack of a tennis ball or the satisfying crack of a softball bat--these practices resound with upbeat music and the playful skidding of go-karts over banana peels.

Comprised of avid video game enthusiasts, the Mercy Academy esports team specializes in competing in the widely popular Nintendo Switch racing game, "Mario Kart 8." Shortened from "electronic sports," esports elevates gaming to a competitive realm, featuring structured matches between two teams, governed by a stringent set of regulations and standards.

Established just last year, the Mercy Academy team proudly stands as the sole all-girls high school esports team in Kentucky. Under the guidance of head coach Estill Frodge, the team provides a dynamic and organized setting for gamers within Mercy Academy, fostering both enjoyment and skill development.

Engaging in weekly practice sessions, the team squares off against other high school esports teams virtually through PlayVS, a platform providing esports league opportunities for youth teams. Their routine typically involves practice sessions on Mondays and participation in tournaments on Thursdays. In the realm of "Mario Kart" matches, teams comprising four players vie against each other in a best-of-three games format.

Em Haycraft, a junior at Mercy Academy and recent addition to the team, said joining this year has offered a great chance to bond with existing friends and forge new friendships.

"It helps us build the bond between others as well as come out of our shell a little bit," she said. "It's just really fun."

According to a high school esports guide from PlayVS, esports offers several advantages such as fostering a sense of community among students, enhancing student engagement and facilitating the development of STEM skills.

Team member and Mercy Academy junior Ava Smalley said she has gained a great deal of confidence from participating in esports. She said the team has steadily continued to grow since its inception and that she looks forward to seeing more gamers take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the team.

"I think it's a really great bonding activity and I get to hang out with my friends a lot more," she said.