CMSD expands choices for students with Esports and Girls Flag Football

COLUMBUS, Miss. (CMSD) - Columbus Municipal School District student-athletes will soon have more choices to participate, and one of those choices won’t be on a field.  

The CMSD Board of Trustees recently approved the addition of Girls Flag Football and Esports to the district’s athletic department. This means there are more than two dozen extracurricular athletic activities for students to participate in.  

CMSD Athletic Director Farrington Hill says more Esports competitions will be online, but some travel will still be required. Competitions will be based on games in sports, strategy, and multiplayer.  

“Several colleges and universities now offer scholarship opportunities in Esports, and we want to ensure that our students have access to those same opportunities. Esports also provide another avenue for students to become engaged in schools. Beyond competition, I hope participation will spark an interest in technology and introduce students to potential college and career pathways they may not have previously considered," said Hill.  

Meanwhile, girls flag football kicks off in the spring. Right now, districts are being set up across the state because this is a relatively new sport in Mississippi high school athletics.  

Hill says the current CHS football staff will provide some assistance once the team is selected.  

“Our goal is to provide more opportunities for students to become involved, discover their talents, and feel connected to our school. Some students may not be interested in traditional sports, so adding Girls Flag Football and Esports allows us to reach students with different interests and abilities. As students learn new skills, build confidence, and experience teamwork and competition, those experiences can positively impact them in the classroom, in other activities, and beyond high school,” explained Hill.  

CMSD is working to finalize the coaching staff for both of the new offerings.