Originally aired on KBOI-TV
eSports is known to be very popular for online gamer’s. But for those like Aria Strasser of Caldwell, who can’t do outside sports due to her illness.
It’s an outlet to satisfy her competitive spirit.
“It’s nice to have a sport that I can play and have fun with and enjoy even though I can’t be at a sport and running and doing all sorts of physical activities,” Strasser said.
For 17-year-old Strasser, who spent her early years playing basketball and tennis. She now competes for a different goal, staying out of bed.
“It definitely helps me to not just wallow and be like I hurt so bad that I can’t move. I’m more focused on the team and what I can do to make the team better,” Strasser said.
In the seventh grade, Strasser started experiencing severe migraines, nausea and vomiting. But the symptoms, only got worse over the years. Causing Strasser to miss school.
“I ended up doing all of my school work at home via email. Which is not desirable,” Strasser said.
Strasser’s parents found Idaho Virtual Academy, where she completes school work on her own time, at her own pace. The online academy opened the door to eSports.
“It makes me feel more included. Like I’m not just back at my house doing nothing. You know, knowing no one. So, it makes me feel a lot more included that I am able to do everything from home and still be on a team,” Strasser said.
After several years of testing, doctors still don’t have a diagnosis for Strasser. But through eSports, not only is she channeling her competitive spirit.
“It feels competitively like a sport. Like you’re playing some kind of sport,“ Strasser said.
She’s online chasing awards and building friendships.
“I have two really good friends now, in my eSports team. And lot of other friends too that I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t joined eSports or if I hadn’t gone to IDVA,” Strasser said.
To learn more about Idaho Virtual Academy, visit https://idva.k12.com/
