Meet Krysten Hribek — a member of the Cyber Cats at Angleton High School. Despite being new to AHS, she has blossomed into a confident leader by recruiting new members and fostering a welcoming environment at her high school.
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Tyler Infinger:
Let's start with introductions! Tell us your name, grade, and what got you into gaming.
Krysten Hribek:
My name is Krysten Hribek, and I'm an eleventh-grader. When I was like five or six, my dad, mom, and older brother all played games together a lot. I really loved video games and it helped with my boredom. The main game I play for the High School Esports League is Minecraft, and that's something I've been playing since I was really young. Now, here I am, 17, still killing it.
Tyler Infinger:
Oh, that's awesome. I appreciate the introduction. So, I wanted to ask. How do you feel about your school offering esports as an extracurricular? It's kind of rare, y'know?
Krysten Hribek:
I fully feel like it's a great thing that they're offering. Actually, it's my first year participating in any extracurricular activities or after-school activities. So it's something I've really enjoyed. Having it offered at school is amazing.
Tyler Infinger:
Yeah! Your coach actually mentioned that this was your first extracurricular, and that's something I want to talk about with you. What drove you to choose esports as your first extracurricular? And in retrospect, do you feel like you made the right decision?
Krysten Hribek:
I joined because some of my friends were talking about it, and I was curious, so I wanted to know what it was. They suggested I join because it involves one of my favorite games, Minecraft. I would say it was a good choice for me because I haven't done anything after school before. It's a good choice because I love gaming, and I love my friends and teammates. It's something I really enjoy.
Tyler Infinger:
Nice. That's a commonality between a lot of people who end up joining esports, especially at the high school level. They meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun, whether it's in school or outside of school. Have you met a lot of people through this program?
Krysten Hribek:
Yes, I have. I'm actually new to the school. I recently moved here, and I didn't have many friends. Joining this esports team helped me communicate more and talk to my teammates, who are now my best friends. I've formed a strong connection with Miss Myers [her coach]. She’s like a second mom to me.
Tyler Infinger:
I'm sure she's blushing off-camera right now. No, that's so great to hear, honestly. That's the perfect reaction I hope to hear from people who join esports for the first time in high school. We love to hear that. Okay, let's talk about your nomination. I know you haven't read it, and that's okay. But your coach describes you as being the "light" of your team. What qualities do you think you possess that would warrant such a description?
Krysten Hribek:
I guess being kindhearted, outgoing, always smiling, and happy. I try to cheer up everybody around me and brighten up their days
Tyler Infinger:
Makes sense! Can you describe the experience of being one of the only girls on the team?
Krysten Hribek:
Ever since I was young, I feel like I'm one of the guys, but just like not actually. Being the only girl on the team is just like… I'm just trying to show off that most [girls] out there can do what guys can do. That's what I'm trying to say. Like we're equal to each other and not just like pushed off to the side or something and saying, "Oh, girls can't do this, Oh, girls can't do that."
Tyler Infinger:
Yeah, that makes complete sense. And honestly, that makes me very happy to hear. I was hoping you would say it was a non-issue. Moving forward, what are some things that you feel like you have gained by being part of this esports team?
Krysten Hribek:
I've gained more confidence in talking and my communication skills. I used to be a really quiet person at the beginning of the year, and joining esports helped me open up more and be myself and explore new stuff around me while also building teamwork and friendships along the way, which is nice.
Tyler Infinger:
Good! I can definitely tell. Now, I don't have too many more questions for you, but I still wanted to hit a few topics. So, as an eleventh-grader, I know you have at least a couple more seasons. With that in mind, what kind of legacy do you hope to impart to your team once you graduate? It already seems like you've made your mark so far.
Krysten Hribek:
I'm hoping that others around me can feed off what I give out and just like try to keep my inspiration going on and hope that we can just keep this esports team alive and more open and outgoing.
Tyler Infinger:
Absolutely. Every time I ask this question of people, I'm always interested to see the response. Some people are like, "Oh yeah, I want to leave a legacy where I leave a trophy behind for my school because [esports] is the only program that can actually do it." Other people are like, "We want to leave behind the most welcoming place, the community that will continue to thrive and be a nice extracurricular for new students." So, I think that aligns perfectly. So, I only have one last question for you — and I want to preface this one by saying I have asked this question to every finalist that I have spoken to so far. What would winning this award mean to you?
Krysten Hribek:
If I'm completely honest, I am really happy right now to be nominated. If I were to win this award, I’d probably leave it [at school] and hopefully let it serve to inspire others.
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