Albuquerque Public Schools
APS Esports is proud of all its students and each of their paths, whether in college or career. The skills learned translate to opportunities that promote growth and produce stories of achievement unique to each student.
Student success is celebrated in esports in many important ways - matriculation to college, a CTE career pathway program, an industry job. While it is often difficult to keep in touch with students who have graduated to share their stories, I was fortunate to have maintained contact with several students after they left the district, and am proud to be able to share their stories.
Vy Nugyen was a Del Norte HS graduate in 2021 who attended the University of New Mexico on a scholarship. She graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems and is now a grad student at UNM working towards her Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics. Additionally, she is a technical intern for Sandia National Laboratories.
Vy demonstrated leadership and confidence during her time at APS, but it was earned through her experience in esports. “In high school, I was introverted and anxious but being a team captain pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to speak up more, make decisions, and connect with my teammates, which helped me become more confident over time,” she remembered. During college, she explained, it became easier to make friends, and she became more comfortable participating in class, networking, and putting herself out there in ways she wouldn’t have before esports. “That confidence played a pivotal role in my career path, as talking about my leadership experience in esports felt natural, and interviewers seemed genuinely interested in my experience and passion.” She noted that this made her stand out from other candidates and helped her land the internship at Sandia National Laboratories, where she still works today.
She continued, “I am passionate about growing the esports scene and supporting the next generation, particularly encouraging more women to get involved. I loved introducing others to gaming and breaking down stereotypes about who belongs in esports.”
Brook Chavez graduated from La Cueva High School in 2025, and just completed her first year at the University of Southern California on a full scholarship. She jumped right in at USC, and is majoring in Intelligence and Cyber Operations, which she describes as at the intersection of technology, government intelligence, and international relations.
Never afraid to take on extracurricular activities, she joined Kappa Theta Pi, the first and only technology-based fraternity in the US; and also joined the executive board as Recruitment Chair to focus on opportunities for all students interested in technology – specifically women and people of color. She also participates in USC ReadersPLUS, a literacy and math tutoring program that targets inner-city students for help improving their literacy level, and also provides emotional support that promotes self-esteem. And as the new Co-Executive Director for the Native American Student Association (NASA) at USC, she plans to focus on underrepresented communities, and on career pathways that can uplift Native students.
Her coach at La Cueva High School, Nicholas Romero, noted that, “She was a great student and esports member, leading our League of Legends team as captain. She has wonderful interpersonal skills and a bright future in whatever she decides to do. She is an excellent example of how esports is a crossroads between career paths and personal growth and enjoyment.”
Brook concluded by saying, “I want to emphasize the importance that Esports had in my choices, both academically and professionally, and that I am immensely grateful for how esports impacted my life. I started off as an inner city kid with no aspirations of ever achieving college, and with esports and my established interest in gaming, I was able to find an interest that got me to my major and where I am. Thank you so much for what you do!”
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Scott Robertson over 5 years ago, and was able to watch as he grew and thrived in the esports ecosystem. After graduating from Early College Academy in 2023, Scott began at New Mexico State University, where he is currently a Junior majoring in Computer Science. At NMSU he continued his involvement in esports and became close friends with several former APS students who attend different universities. “Esports provided a space where I was able to thrive, helped me establish new social groups and allowed me to be more of myself,” adding “Thank you so much for making APS Esports into what it is!”
APS Esports is proud of all its students and each of their paths, whether in college or career. As noted by previous students, the confidence gained by their involvement in esports often led them to success in college. The skills learned translate to opportunities that promote growth and produce stories of achievement unique to each student.