Introducing Delina Huynh — a pioneer for her school's program and finalist for HSEL All Star. Proving to overcome any obstacle in her path, Huynh sets the standard for inclusivity in high school esports.
Tyler Infinger:
Can you give us just a brief introduction? Let's start with your name, grade, and what got you into gaming.
Delina Huynh:
My name is Delina Huynh, and I'm in 11th grade. And what got me into gaming was, well, I started gaming when I was a kid because I had an iPad. And then I really didn't start getting into esports until earlier this year because I started playing Valorant. So, I was like, "Might as well join in and try to see what the experience is about.
Tyler Infinger:
Oh, nice. Yeah, from your coach's nomination form, I saw that Valorant was one of the main games that you play. Are there any other games that you play?
Delina Huynh:
I mean, I subbed in for [League of Legends], but it was because they just needed more people.
Tyler Infinger:
Gotcha. It's important to be flexible in any team scenario — so that's good to hear. A lot of variety this year! Well, let's talk about your experiences with your team. First, how do you feel about your school offering esports as an extracurricular?
Delina Huynh:
I feel like it's a good thing because some kids want to become pro players or streamers. And so, having esports will help them achieve what they want and their dream. So yeah, I think it's good.
Tyler Infinger:
Yeah! There are a lot of avenues that gaming can provide people, and extracurriculars like this bring people closer to their goals. But let's dive into the specifics of your nomination. Your coach gives you some pretty high praise, for what it's worth, but they specifically noted you being a mentor for your school's program. They mention that despite being somewhat new, you're incredibly welcoming. You've been helping out other players, even spearheading one of the teams. Can you describe this experience?
Delina Huynh:
Well, at the beginning of the year, before I had an all-girls team, I was on the J.V. team and no one stepped up to be a captain or an officer. So, I decided to try it out. It was kind of hectic for the J.V. team. And then, for the all-girls team, it was easier because we became friends, and even though we had some trouble, we overcame our problems to get better. It was more fun, you know, having all girls there instead of me being the only girl on the J.V. team.
Tyler Infinger:
That completely makes sense. According to your nomination, it sounded like you were heavily involved in forming the all-girls team. Can you talk about that process?
Delina Huynh:
So, we went to this tournament in December, and I saw an all-girls team, and I was like, "I should make one for our school" because it'll be fun. So, I got with my coach and got her to ask her [others] to join, [including a girl from the varsity team]. But we got one of my friends because she was also into esports, and we taught her how to play. And then, that's how I created the team. It's important because there are barely any girls who play games and things because [some] girls think it's for boys, or they just don't want to come out of their comfort zone. So, I think having an all-girls team shows and shines light for girls that are scared to come out and [feel comfortable] joining esports.
Tyler Infinger:
Definitely. I couldn't have said it better myself. You all are really pioneering something here. This is a constant stigma in gaming — and I'm glad your school encourages inclusivity. Next, let's move toward talking about some specific memories. Can you describe some memorable moments on your team?
Delina Huynh:
Well, first, the tournaments were really fun. We like having fun together. We troll online games and things together and after school, we sit around and eat and talk about our lives and things. So yeah, my experience has been great so far.
Tyler Infinger:
Good! What's your experience been like making new friends through this team?
Delina Huynh:
Yeah, even though we're not in the same class, I joined the club and met a lot of new friends. So, I think it's been a good place to find friends.
Tyler Infinger:
That's nice. Let's transition into talking about you and what you've gained from high school esports. With that said, what are things that you feel like you gained by being on a high school esports team?
Delina Huynh:
I gained more experience and friends and became really close to my coach. I've got to meet a lot of new people and try new things.
Tyler Infinger:
It sounds like the experience was big for you! Experience is one of the most valuable things you can take away from being a part of really any extracurricular; esports being no exception. Anyway, what kind of legacy do you hope to impart to your team once you graduate?
Delina Huynh:
I want to leave behind an all-girls team so it can [continue to] grow. So, I want to create a legacy where girls are welcome to come in and play games with other people and to grow a community where we continually grow. We only have five right now, but in the future, I want to have like at least 20!
Tyler Infinger:
That's perfect. I hope it does continue to grow! So, the last question for you: What would winning this award mean to you?
Delina Huynh:
It would mean a lot because I've overcome a lot of obstacles being a captain because my team has had a few problems, but it would mean a lot to have an award to show how much we overcame.