The inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition Pinnacle Regional, held February 27 – March 2, 2025, was a resounding success bringing together 35 teams and 1,000+ students from California, Nevada and the Netherlands for an unforgettable weekend of innovation, teamwork, and celebration!
Beyond the action-packed competition, the event was filled with meaningful moments and community highlights:
- Women in STEM Panel: Four professional women from the tech industry inspired around 50 young women in attendance.
- Friday Team Social & BBQ: Teams 5104, 6996, and 7413 hosted a fantastic evening of food and fun, building camaraderie beyond the competition.
- Robin Coyne Memorial Scholarship: In its inaugural year, this scholarship was awarded to a deserving student from Team 7413.
- Mentor Mixer: A great opportunity for mentors to connect and share experiences after Saturday’s matches.
- State Recognition: FIRST received a Certificate of Recognition from the Office of Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California State Assembly, honoring our impact on STEM education.
- Exciting Additions:
- Analyst desk with live commentary between matches
- Trivia challenges during breaks
- Over 100 Gracious Professionalism (GP) pins awarded for outstanding sportsmanship
- Special Guests:
- Allison Musich, assistant principal of Hollister High School, welcomed teams during Saturday’s opening ceremonies.
- Patti Poppe, CEO of PG&E, shared a special welcome video played during Sunday’s opening.
From thrilling matches to inspiring moments, the Pinnacles Regional truly showcased the heart of FIRST. Thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors for making this event an unforgettable one!
Feel free to download and share any of these photos. You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REEFSCAPE and #FIRSTDIVE.
LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!
The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Diego Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 16-19, 2025.
FIRST Impact Award
The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.
The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.
This team’s impact extends far beyond the competition field, building lasting partnerships and empowering the next generation of engineers. Their efforts have impacted hundreds of teams worldwide, and by helping establish engineering classes at their school, they’ve demonstrated an unmatched commitment to supporting both the local and broader community.
They created a hub for FRC teams with a full field that serves both local and international teams. With over half of their members being alumni of their outreach programs, they have created a foundation that supports students from elementary school to FRC. Their energy is electrifying and their dedication to mentoring others is truly powerful. They have closed the circuit on innovation, ensuring that the current of progress will keep flowing for years to come.
- Team 1678, Citrus Circuit, from Davis, CA
Engineering Inspiration
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This team will advance to the Championships.
This team did a great job of “painting a picture” of how the mission of FIRST can make an impact within their local and global community. By partnering with local institutions to teach and mentor FTC and FLL teams, they have been able to recruit future members and teach them the Core Values of FIRST. This extends to their skills classes, summer academies, community engagement, and an extensive online footprint, as they go for “baroque” to inspire the next generation of FIRST members. “Orange” you glad you joined us.
- Team 4481, Team Rembrandts from the Netherlands
Regional Winners Qualifying for Championship
Dean’s List Finalist
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
- Sharon Z, from Team 253, Boba Bots
- Xin-Le Y, from Team 2813, Gear Heads
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.
In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.
Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.
- Jack Doherty, Team 5924, Golden Gate Robotics
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Pinnacles Regional! See the list here.