Panola College Esports program secures first victory
Published 7:59 am Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Panola College Esports program is officially off to a winning start. After launching the new program last fall, the College entered its first regulated competition on February 10 and earned its first official victory.
Causen Perrette led the charge in Super Smash Bros., competing against an opponent from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa. “The Esports program has helped me rediscover my love for gaming, so I am very happy to have won my first set,” said Perrette.
The Esports program was established to empower students through teamwork, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. While competition is a key component, the program’s mission extends beyond gaming. Students gain valuable life and career skills including strategic planning, collaboration under pressure, problem-solving, and digital communication.
“Seeing how Causen and the rest of our Smash team have been improving, I can say full heartedly that I am very excited to see how we progress in the future,” said Wesley Kemp, Esports Coach at Panola College.
Participants have the opportunity to represent the College in structured, regulated tournaments governed by the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE), the national governing body for two-year college Esports programs. Through NJCAAE competition, student-athletes engage in organized league play that mirrors traditional collegiate athletics in structure and standards.
As the program continues its inaugural season, Panola College looks forward to building on its early success and expanding opportunities for students to compete at a high level.
