In January of 2021, WNBA star and avid gamer Aerial Powers joined esports organization Team Liquid as a streamer and brand and diversity ambassador. Wednesday night she and Team Liquid cut a ribbon on a new esports lab for students as part of a collaboration with Boys & Girls Club Metro Los Angeles focused on promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for students in underserved communities.
Team Liquid co-CEO Steve Arhancet, Super Smash Bros. Melee pro-gamer Juan ‘Hungrybox” Debiedma, Boys & Girls Club CEO Patrick Mahoney and Team Liquid mascot “Blue” were also at the ceremony for students to meet.
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The lab is located at Challengers Clubhouse, which is BGCMLA’s biggest location and is located in an area that struggles to get affordable, high-speed internet, making it an “interest desert.” Team Liquid is providing the center with a suite of hardware and internet upgrades that will aid competitive gaming and STEM learning activities. They are also paying for high-speed internet for three years and will be offering an esports course in collaboration with NxtUp Esports.