Academic Subcommittee

The AESA academic subcommittee formed in 2024 after the inaugural Alberta Esports Championship. The purpose of this committee is to support Alberta's teachers and administrators in building a sustainable scholastic esports ecosystem in our province. The committee strives to develop a holistic competitive network for high schools and junior highs to foster inclusivity, accessibility and sportsmanship through competitive gaming.

Subcommittee Members

  • Chair

    Chair - Shadi Hanna

    Bow Valley College, Calgary

    Shadi is a life-long esports enthusiast, educator and advocate. With over five years of collegiate esports coaching experience, Shadi specializes in mentoring aspiring esports professionals. In his role at Bow Valley College, Shadi serves as the curriculum-lead for the Esports Business Management program, delivering course content to future leaders of the esports industry.

  • Vice Chair - Travis Bouchard

    Vimy Ridge Academy, Edmonton

    Travis is the Program Director of Vimy Esports at Vimy Ridge Academy, which is a junior high & high school academy esports program that debuted in the 2022-2023 school year. Travis is one of Alberta's representatives on the Esport Canada EDU National Council, helping to shape the landscape of scholastic esports in Alberta and across all of Canada.

  • Secretary - Zamirra Cruz

    University of Alberta, Edmonton

    Zamirra is the secretary of the University of Alberta Esports club. Zamirra specializes in administrative duties, contributing her skillset to organizing the club's teams, events and other activations. Zamirra is an avid gamer, and brings her passion for FPS titles and indie games to her work on the AESA Academic Subcommittee.

  • Zone 1 Rep - TBD

    The Zone 1 representative will serve in the best interests of their region, spanning across Grand Prairie and surrounding Northwestern communities.

    Please contact shadi.hanna@esportsalberta.ca for more information.

  • Zone 2 Rep - Steven Fewer

    Westwood Community High, Fort McMurray

    Steven is the founder of the Westwood Community High School esports program. Steven's students currently compete in VALORANT and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Steven's passion for video games inspired him to provide this opportunity for his students to play competitively. Under Steven's leadership, the Westwood Esports program has been a dominant force in both provincial and international esports competitions.

  • Zone 3 Rep - Nathaniel Wojcicki

    St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School, Edmonton

    Nathaniel brings a great passion for esports to his work at St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School. Nathaniel has taught high school students for 8 years, working to implement new programming initiatives for esports and IDM. Nathaniel is a huge advocate for the transformative powers of esports in schools, seeking to change the narrative around gaming and esports in his community.

  • Zone 4 Rep - Michael Saretzky

    St Patrick's Community School, Red Deer

    Michael brings nearly 20 years of teaching experience in Alberta to his role at St. Patrick's Community School. Michael has leveraged his expertise to launch a nationally-recognized esports program at his school, where students compete in Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Michael also serves as one of Alberta's representatives on the Esport Canada EDU National Council, helping to shape the landscape of scholastic esports in Alberta and across all of Canada.

  • Zone 5 Rep - Scott Blenkhorne

    Calgary Board of Education, Calgary

    Scott brings 17 years of teaching experience to his role at the Calgary Board of Education. Scott's passion for esports led him to launch the first-ever CBE esports league, featuring interscholastic competition in League of Legends. Scott's dedication and ambition for regional competition shines forth as he continues to grow esports programs in Calgary and across the province.

  • Zone 6 Rep - John Thai

    Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge

    John is a math & science teacher at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. When John is not in the classroom, he serves as LCI's Esports Coordinator, fostering teamwork and strategic thinking among students through competitive gaming. John is committed to shaping well-rounded individuals through esports, providing a safe and inclusive space for students to play.

  • Collegiate Advisor - Abhiraam Manchiraju

    University of Calgary, Calgary

    Abhiraam is a student at the University of Calgary. Abhiraam volunteers his time as the co-president of his campus' esports program, a student-run esports club that specializes in casual and competitive esports events. Abhiraam has a wide array of experience in esports, and is using his talents to expand the club and facilitate future opportunities for current and future students. Abhiraam is dedicated to fostering stronger connections between scholastic & collegiate esports programs and supporting the growth of high school esports program in his home city.

  • Collegiate Advisor - Myra Davis

    Keyano College, Fort McMurray

    Myra brings over 8 years of semi-pro and professional esports experience to her role as the Esports Head Coach at Keyano College. Myra became a North American esports champion in 2023 after winning the League of Legends Championship Series with NRG as the team's assistant general manager. In addition to her work with NRG, Wildcard Gaming and CLG Faith, Myra volunteers her time promoting inclusivity in esports as a mentor for Queer Women in Esports and the LCS Game Changers program.

  • Technology Advisor - Koji Nagahama

    Lethbridge School Division, Lethbridge

  • Technology Advisor - Ed Eberts

    Strathmore High School, Strathmore

    Ed has been an IT and Technology educator at Strathmore High School for over 25 years. Since 2019, Ed has led his school's esports club and team in competitions. Ed is a firm believer in the value of competitive esports as a platform for students to develop essential life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, which will serve them well beyond the gaming arena. His approach focuses on making esports fun, accessible, and a tool for personal growth, ensuring that every student feels welcomed and empowered to succeed.

Questions for the subcommittee?

Email
shadi.hanna@esportsalberta.ca