Jasmine Green (she/her), 23, is a business administration student at Brookdale Community College. Green described Brookdale as an incredibly warm and inclusive atmosphere where every student feels like they truly belong. Since her time at Brookdale, she has participated in their esports program as a support player on the League of Legends (LoL) team. 

Green first got involved in esports as a way to build a stronger bond with both of her sisters, sharing something fun and competitive that brought them closer together. When she got to Brookdale, she discovered the college’s incredible esports arena, and from the moment she stepped inside, she was welcomed with open arms. 

“It immediately felt like a place where I truly belonged, offering not just a space to compete, but also a sense of community and connection with others who shared my passion,” Green said.

When asked about her biggest accomplishment in esports so far, Green highlighted making the Brookdale varsity LoL team. This achievement meant a lot to her, as she faced many challenges as a woman in a male-dominated space. Despite doubts from others who told her she wouldn’t secure a place on the team, she pushed through the negativity and proved them wrong. This accomplishment represents more than just personal success, but demonstrates that dedication, skill, and determination can break barriers and inspire others to pursue their passions, regardless of gender.

To continually improve her skills, Green has committed to coaching sessions, watched educational videos, and spent hours practicing. Through this dedication, she has refined her in-game skills, decision-making, and overall strategy. But for Green, the lessons learned in esports extend beyond LoL.

She applies the same strategic mindset to her everyday life, believing that success comes from dedication and perseverance. By staying committed to her goals even when the motivation isn’t quite there on some days, she has overcome challenges both in and out of gaming.

Being part of Brookdale’s esports team has been an incredibly rewarding experience for Green, not just for the competition, but for the relationships she has built along the way.

“The best part has been the memories I’ve made with my teammates. The bond we share goes beyond just playing together; we’ve become a second family, supporting each other on and off the game,” Green said. “The esports arena has truly become a second home, where I feel inspired, motivated, and connected to something bigger than myself.”

Since her time on the Brookdale team, Green has also participated as a member of the NJCAAE. 

“My most memorable moment while competing in the NJCAAE was our first win as a team. The excitement and joy in the atmosphere were electric. It was a true testament to our hard work, teamwork, and dedication. Celebrating that victory together, knowing all the effort we had put in to reach that moment, was an experience I'll never forget. It solidified our bond as a team and fueled our motivation to keep pushing forward,” Green said. “I think the NJCAAE is an amazing organization that brings students and gamers closer together by creating opportunities for collaboration, competition and growth in the esports community. The NJCAAE helps to create a sense of unity among students, helping them to build meaningful connections with others who share the same passion for gaming.”

When asked about stereotypes in gaming and esports, Green spoke to the misconception that all gamers are antisocial or lack “real-life skills”. She emphasized that esports requires a lot of teamwork, communication and strategy. According to Green, competitive gaming helps students develop valuable skills such as leadership, problem-solving and collaboration. Another common stereotype she disagrees with is the notion that gaming is a waste of time. She believes that for many, gaming is entertaining, a way to connect with others, and even a potential career path. From her point of view, many people often overlook the depth, skills and community that esports fosters.

Discussing her experience as a woman in esports, Green acknowledged the challenges of facing toxicity online. She pointed out that LoL has a reputation for having a particularly toxic player base, where female players often experience harassment and sexism. While this environment can feel intimidating and unwelcoming, she believes that women should never be discouraged from participating. She stressed that their presence and voices are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and positive gaming community. 

“Brookdale Esports harvests a safe environment for everyone. Thanks to the hard work and dedication from our esports director Chris Boehmer, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet many empowering women who share the same passion and experiences, and we’ve built strong, supportive bonds that have made the experience even more meaningful,” Green said.

When offering advice to young female gamers, Green encouraged them never to let others dictate their place in the gaming world. She urged them to push past negativity and pursue their passion with confidence and determination. No matter the challenges, she believes that if they stay true to what they love, they will achieve their goals. She described esports as an incredible community and emphasized that no one should ever feel discouraged from being part of it.

As the NJCAAE celebrates Women’s History Month, we are proud to feature an inspiring member like Jasmine Green. Her words of wisdom and encouragement remind us all: esports is for everyone.