Student-Athlete Spotlight: Penn Gilchrist

Penn Gilchrist began his Esports journey during his high school years. Penn attended Waukesha South from Sept. 3, 2019 - June,10, 2023. Before joining an inevitably powerful Rocket League team, Gilchrist played a couple of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournaments at his local library. Then, Penn's interest in Esports - Video games played competitively for people to watch as entertainment, grew exponentially. Penn joined a Rocket League team during his Junior year at Waukesha South High School. The Waukesha South Blackshirts represent the Wisconsin High School Esports Association (WIHSEA) – an organization promoting scholastic esports through community development, advocacy, equitable participation, and interscholastic competition to enrich the educational experience. Gilchrist previously built chemistry with teammates David (DivineOG) Johnson, Dante (RogueTek) Herrera, and Lucas (Joystik) Menzer.

This dynamic squad sent shockwaves through the WIHSEA during its Spring 2022 and Winter 2023 Rocket League seasons. In Spring 2022, the Blackshirts obtained an 8-0 Overall and 24-0 Game records. Through eight weeks, Waukesha South did not lose a single series or game within a Best-of-Five matchup. Penn's stellar team secured the number-one seed in Division One. In their pursuit of victory, Waukesha South defeated Racine Park, Bay Port, Superior, and Oak Creek in a hard-fought Best-of-Seven series, winning 4-3 at NorthCentral Technical College on May 14, 2022. Waukesha South emerged as champions in their first-ever WIHSEA Rocket League season. For Winter 2023, Penn and Co. achieved another 8-0 Overall record, alongside a 24-2 Game record. The Blackshirts clinched the top seed in the Division One playoffs. They defeated Kettle Moraine. Horlick – in the Semifinals and Oak Creek – sweeping them 4-0 in the Grand Final at UW-River Falls on March 18, 2023.

During Penn's high school esports career, he logged two consecutive Division One championships and State appearances. Penn received offers from various colleges during his senior year. Ultimately, he chose Carthage because some friends were attending and wanted to bask in the beautiful campus atmosphere. During his freshman year, he played on the Carthage Black team with Tanner (Flare) Lee and Connor (Nyrome11) Moore. This opportunity helped Penn become an exceptional mental leader, supporting his growth as a player and person. By the end of freshman year, Carthage Black was fourth in the entire state. In his Sophomore year campaign, Penn is on Carthage's Red team with teammates Alex (Vaile) Vaile and Armando (Mando) Hernandez. In National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) action, Carthage Red is near the top of Division II's West B stage where they are 5-1 Overall and eyeing the playoffs. Penn's ever-lasting drive to improve and do what is best for any team he represents is a testament to what Rocket League has meant to him competitively and personally.

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Players Mentioned

Penn Gilchrist: 5' 11"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Penn Gilchrist
: 5' 11"; Sophomore