Explore Academy Las Cruces chess team places second at state

Inside a classroom at Explore Academy Las Cruces, chess boards line the tables as students quietly study their next move. On Feb. 6, those same players helped their school finish second at the New Mexico State Chess Championship in Albuquerque.  

The strong finish marked a major accomplishment for the charter school’s chess program, which continues to grow as more students develop an interest in the game. 

Justus Holland, the team captain, said part of his role is helping teammates stay prepared before matches.  

“I try to get everybody warmed up,” Holland said. “I’ve been in tournaments the longest, so I try to help them prepare and think.”  

For many players, preparation for the tournament came from consistent practice both at school and online. Ethan Sevio, a seventh grader at Explore Las Cruces, described how he prepared for the tournament. 

“I play chess for two or two and a half hours every day at school and at home online,” Sevio said.  

Other players said the experience of competing at state brought a variety of emotions.  

“I was excited going over there to Albuquerque for state,” said team member Jacob Viescas. “When I got there, I was nervous, but also happy with my performance.” 

John Gately, a eighth-grade math teacher at Explore Academy Las Cruces, who oversees the chess club, said much of the team’s success comes from the students’ own motivation to improve. 

“They found a love and interest for chess largely on their own,” Gately said. “They’re the ones grabbing the chessboards in the morning and wanting to play.”  

Gately said chess provides students with more than just competition. The game encourages strategy, patience, and problem-solving skills that carry into other areas of life. 

“It’s great that they’re using strategy and problem solving and competing,” he said. “It builds relationships and confidence and can translate into the classroom.” 

The success of the team also reflects a growing chess community in Las Cruces, where several schools and clubs are helping introduce young players to the game.  

Will Barela, who goes by “Coach Will,” is a local chess coach for Cruces Chess Club. He said accomplishments by programs like Explore Academy Las Cruces show how the game is gaining momentum in the community.  

“I am proud of our scholastic chess growth in our community,” Barela said. “Chess is for everyone.” 

For Gately, the team’s second-place finish is something he hopes students carry with them beyond the tournament. 

“Hopefully it empowers them and shows that even at a smaller school they can accomplish things if they put their mind to it,” he said.