IHSEA Coaches Roundtable Discussion 

This roundtable discussion brings together fellow high school esports coaches for an interactive roundtable focused on current trends shaping scholastic esports. This session will highlight program success stories, explore common challenges facing teams and organizations, and provide a collaborative space for coaches to exchange ideas and best practices. Coaches will engage in small-group discussions around guided topics, with select insights and takeaways shared with the larger group to spark broader conversation and learning.

Dates/Times
Saturday, March 7 - 8:30am to 9:10am

IHSEA Rocket League Player Discussion

This player-led discussion will be led by collegiate Rocket League players and focus on team principles and communication. The session is designed specifically for high school competitors looking to level up their team play. The session breaks down core 3v3 fundamentals such as rotations, positioning, boost management, decision-making, and mental preparation for matches, using real game examples and expert insights. Players will learn how to play smarter, more consistently, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level.
This session is perfect for high school Rocket League competitors looking to sharpen their skills and learn directly from experienced collegiate players.

Dates/Times
Saturday, March 7 - 8:30am to 9:10am 
Registration Encouraged

IHSEA Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Player Discussion

This player-led discussion will be led by collegiate Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and focus on competitive strategy and in-game decision-making. This session is designed specifically for high school competitors looking to level up their gameplay. The session breaks down competitive strategies, character-specific strengths, matchup considerations, in-game decision-making, and common mistakes to avoid in tournament play, using real game examples and expert insights. Players will learn how to play smarter, adapt mid-set, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level.

This session is perfect for high school Super Smash Bros. Ultimate competitors looking to sharpen their skills and learn directly from experienced collegiate players.

Dates/Times
Saturday, March 7 - 8:30am to 9:10am
Sunday, March 8 - 8:30am to 9:10am
Registration Encouraged

Professional Workforce Session

This session is designed for current collegiate esports players preparing to transition from college into the professional workforce, particularly within tech-related industries. Panelists will discuss career pathways, transferable skills gained through esports, and what employers look for in entry-level candidates. The conversation will also cover resume building, networking, and navigating the job search after graduation. A dedicated Q&A portion will allow attendees to ask questions and gain practical advice from professionals with firsthand industry experience.

This session is highly encouraged for all collegiate players in attendance at Midwest Battleground.

Dates/Times
Saturday, March 7 - 8:30am to 9:10am

Collegiate Panel

This panel features collegiate esports directors and coaches discussing the college esports landscape, current trends as well as the recruiting process. Panelists will share what they look for in prospective players, including in-game skill, teamwork, communication, and academic expectations. The session will also cover how student-athletes can position themselves for recruitment and what to expect when transitioning to a collegiate esports program. The Q&A segment will give attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly to college coaches/directors and gain valuable insight into the recruiting process as well as into the collegiate esports landscape.

This session is highly encouraged for all high school players, high school coaches and parents.

Dates/Times
Saturday, March 7 - 9:20am to 10:00am
Sunday, March 8 - 8:30am to 9:10am | 9:20am to 10:00am