RESPAWN YOUTH
At Respawn Youth we use the power of esports to engage students, build real-world skills, and create pathways to success in school, career, and life.
Respawn Direct is our independent enrollment program for students who want to join without a school partnership. In a structured, team-based environment, players train with professional coaches, build confidence, and develop real-world skills through League of Legends and Valorant.
For today’s students, gaming is more than entertainment, it’s a cultural cornerstone. Yet its place in education remains underdeveloped. Respawn Youth bridges that gap through esports: In a collective and collaborative environment, esports already inherently teaches team synergy and interpersonal communication. What sets Respawn apart is a structured, purposeful STEM curriculum delivered by veteran esport coaches that put students first... helping to channel their passion for gaming into essential academic abilities and life skills that reach far beyond the game.
89% of students show a boost in academic performance when gaming principles are added to curriculum
68% of students feel more motivated throughout academic endeavors when game elements are applied
Homework completion jumps from <19% to over 56% with gamified systems
Students develop teamwork, strategy, and communication skills through structured esports sessions led by experienced coaches.
We connect gameplay to real-world concepts like resource management, critical thinking, and data analysis building both academic and life skills.
Workshops and mentorships expose students to pathways in esports, tech, media, and business, turning passion into future potential.
Goal-setting, peer feedback, and academic tracking help students build confidence, responsibility, and a growth mindset on and off the screen.
At Respawn Youth we make it a priority to put students first, meeting young people where they are and using the games they love as a gateway to deeper learning. Through structured play, coaching, and real-world application, we transform esports into a powerful tool for growth in academics, communication, leadership, and career exploration. Every session is designed to engage, challenge, and empower students both in-game and in life.
Through esports, and through Tao and his team, my daughter found a space where she felt seen, supported, and challenged. She gained confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful friendships.
Travis Abraham
Education-based esports has provided more than just a place to play video games for our child - they have found a community that understands and empowers. Their confidence has grown tremendously, and for the first time, we’re seeing them taking on leadership roles and even mentoring others.
René Ridinger,
Structured esports changed everything for my son. He’s grown in focus, leadership, and confidence. He went from struggling with ADHD to leading his team, organizing practices, speaking at conferences, and even coaching younger players. He found community, purpose, and skills I never saw in traditional sports.
Kim Long
Tao and his crew are more than just instructors. They're good people. You're not just another student, but an integral part of an ecosystem. To Tao, every student, parent, admin, and community member has a voice. Tao is driven not just by results, but the positive transformation those results have on the life of his students. He is an experienced and intelligent mentor who strives to grow from every situation, whether that be a mistake, a business deal, or helping out a student who is having a hard time.
Benjamin Barnes
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team@respawnyouth.com
Coach Tao has been an invaluable asset to our esports program. His guidance not only helped elevate my own coaching but also significantly improved the skills and teamwork of our League of Legends players. Coach Tao goes far beyond basic gameplay tips—he equips teams with the tools and mindset needed for meaningful growth. He consistently made time to meet one-on-one with our athletes, offering personalized feedback and support tailored to each player’s strengths and areas for improvement. Thanks to Coach Tao, our team became more focused, strategic, and unified.
Joe Ward Math teacher and esports coach at Lake Forest Academy