From Fortnite to Future Careers - Esports with Dr. Katrina Lewis (S3, E9)

Academic esports is often dismissed as "just playing video games," but teams and coaches around the nations are using esports as an ecosystem for career exploration. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Katrina Lewis, founder of TAEL, who’s helping schools turn gaming into something much bigger—like real pathways into careers in tech, media, and leadership. We talk about what it actually looks like to start an esports team (without it feeling overwhelming), and why the magic isn’t just in the games—it’s in how teams are designed. Dr. Lewis shares how getting students to rely on each other in meaningful ways can build communication skills, responsibility, and even ethical decision-making. If you’ve ever been curious about esports—or maybe a little skeptical—this episode might change how you see it. And if you’re ready to try something new with your students, you’ll walk away with ideas you can actually use. Find Dr. Lewis on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drkatniss Check out her upcoming book: www.thepurposefulpathedu.com View this episode's transcript: (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m...)