FIRST Robotics Competition – Ventura County Regional

FIRST Robotics Competition – Ventura County Regional

by | Mar 13, 2025 | Blog, Ventura

The Ventura County FIRST Robotics Competition Regional, held March 6-9, 2025, featured 52 teams and 1,500+ students from California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, The Netherland, Armenia and China.

It was an action-packed event, showcasing not only incredible competition but also valuable career exploration and community engagement!  

  • STEM Career Showcase: With the support of our Navy partners, students explored future career opportunities through interactive booths featuring a drone cage, cutting-edge vehicles, and conversations with STEM professionals.
  • Naval Volunteers: Volunteers from the Naval Surface Warfare Center of Port Hueneme, led by FCACS Autumn Johnson, played a vital role in the success of the event, leaving a lasting impact on teams and attendees.
  • US Space Force Activation: Students had a unique opportunity to earn their wings through a VR flight simulator, speak with US Space Force and US Air Force members, and showcase their robotics innovations.

Distinguished Guests:

The event was honored to welcome several esteemed guests, including:

  • Gene Haas Foundation Director of Strategic Partnerships, Kathy Looman, along with Katrina Veronica and Kurt Zierhut
  • US Space Force Technical Sergent, Franck Happi
  • Captain David Halpern, Commander Naval Test Wing Pacific
  • Commander Warren Bong, Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division
  • Dean Menes, Engineering Manager at Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division

From engaging STEM outreach to thrilling competition, the Ventura County Regional was a fantastic celebration of the FIRST community. A huge thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event a success

View Event Photo Gallery

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 met every criterion of the FIRST Impact Award. They made incredible contributions by steering the ship toward substantial growth of FIRST programs and raising the tide in their local area in a sustainable way. They also developed resources that are broadly used by the FIRST community around the globe. They paint STEM in a positive light and are anchoring FIRST in Europe.

  • Team 4481 – Team Rembrandts from The Netherlands

    Engineering Inspiration

    The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

    The judges appreciated hearing how this team took disadvantage and turned it into advantage. Great initiatives, strong data and sharing their field while offering open workshops and a published book raised the odds. They rolled the dice with the Bot Swap Shop and hit the jackpot.

    • Team 7426, Pair of Dice Robotics from Las Vegas, NV

    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.

    • Breanna S, Team 1138, Eagle Engineering
    • Dahae S, Team 589, Falkon Robotics

    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.

    • Heather Abrams, Team 589, Falkon Robotics

    Additional Awards

    Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Ventura County Regional! See the list here.

    FIRST Robotics Competition – Hueneme Port Regional

    FIRST Robotics Competition – Hueneme Port Regional

    by | Mar 13, 2025 | Blog, Hueneme

    The Hueneme Port FIRST Robotics Competition Regional, held February 27- March 2, 2025, was an incredible showcase of talent, innovation. The event featured 46 teams and 1,400+ students from California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Canada and China.

    In addition to the exciting matches, the event featured inspiring moments that highlighted the impact of STEM and FIRST:

    • STEM Career Showcase: Thanks to our Navy partners, students had the chance to explore career pathways through interactive booths, including a drone cage, cutting-edge vehicles, and conversations with STEM professionals.
    • Woodie Flowers Award Mixer: Prior Woodie Flowers Finalists gathered to connect, share experiences, and welcome this year’s newest finalist into the distinguished group.
    • Distinguished Guests: The event was honored to welcome several esteemed leaders, including:
      • Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacarias
      • Ventura County Supervisor, Vianey Loez
      • City of Port Hueneme Mayor Pro Tem ,Jess Lopez
      • Port Hueneme City Councilmember, Laura Hernandez
      • City of Oxnard Mayor, Luis McArthur
      • Oxnard City Councilmember, Michaela Perez
      • Office of Senator Monique Limon District Representative, Angelica Cisneros
      • Office of Assemblymember Steve Bennett District Director, Patty Quiroz
      • Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center Technical Director, Kail Macias

    From engaging STEM outreach to thrilling competition, the Hueneme Port Regional was a fantastic celebration of the FIRST community. A huge thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event a success!

    Photos Coming Soon!

    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 Impact Award team believes that every student in their state needs STEAM and puts funding to their passion. They translate FIRST projects into resources for all in their country. They are roaring with FIRST to “cer”tainly be a compassionate and collaborative team.

      Engineering Inspiration

      The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

      This team strikes with impact by building FLL teams, hosting an FLL tournament, and running free robotics workshops at their local library. With outreach spanning 25 community events and 20 schools, they don’t just inspire – they take action. Their dedication to STEM continues year-round, hosting numerous off-season events in their own robotics league, leading the charge like true commanders indeed!

      • Team 498, The Cobra Commanders from Glendale, AZ

      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.

      • Aurora G – Team 4400 from Torreon, Mexico
      • Nita S – Team 6560 from Irvine, CA

      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.

      • Luke Balancio, Team 498, The Cobra Commanders

      Additional Awards

      Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Hueneme Port Regional! See the list here.

      FIRST Robotics Competition – Orange County Regional

      FIRST Robotics Competition – Orange County Regional

      by | Mar 13, 2025 | Blog, Orange County

      The Orange County FIRST Robotics Competition Regional, held February 26- March 1, 2025, was an exciting event filled with innovation, teamwork, and recognition of outstanding achievements!  The exciting event featured 47 teams and 1,400+ students from California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and Hawaii.

      Alongside the thrilling competition, several key highlights made the event even more special:

      • Special Visit: We were honored to welcome Kathy Looman from the Haas Foundation, a strong supporter of STEM education and FIRST.
      • The Steve Stark Scholarship was awarded to Samuel P from Team 5199, recognizing their dedication and impact.
      • Gracious Professionalism Recognition: Teams embodied the spirit of FIRST, with multiple GP pins awarded for outstanding sportsmanship, generosity and cooperation.

      From intense matches to inspiring moments, the Orange County Regional was a true celebration of STEM, teamwork, and innovation. Thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors for making this event a success!

      View Event Photo Gallery

      Thank you to Joe Duncan for capturing these great moments!

      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 goes into their com; finding a space like gears in a working system. Each member is an integral part of this team’s mission to their communities, focusing on their impact on underrepresented students and those with disabilities. With their ability to spread addictive manufacturing to everyone they can.

      • Team 3473, Team Sprocket from Diamond Bar, CA

        Engineering Inspiration

        The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

        Supporting each team with passion and pride. Guiding young minds with knowledge and care. In a purple den, their passion runs deep, Lifting up others so dreams take a leap. They weave bright futures in The Loom they share, With vision and heard, they light the way, Inspiring the future – starting today!

        • Team 8033, Highlander Robotics from Piedmont, CA

        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.

        • Jacob Q, from Team 7157, μBotics
        • Lehka A, from Team 5199, Robot Dolphins from Outer Space

        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.

        This team’s mentor is described as passionate, empowering, compassionate, and ‘wise beyond years.’ For the last 15 years, this mentor could often be found working with FLL, FTC, and FRC teams has been instrumental or the organization of many FIRST events. He embodies the idea that FIRST is ‘so much more than just robots—it’s about the people, the lessons, and the journey’.

        Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Orange County Regional Woodie Flowers FINALIST Award winner, Cody Eves, from Team 5199, The Robot Dolphins from Outer Space.

        Additional Awards

        Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Orange County Regional! See the list here.

        Pinnacles Regional – FIRST Robotics Competition

        Pinnacles Regional – FIRST Robotics Competition

        by | Mar 10, 2025 | Blog

        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!

        Photo Gallery 1
        Photo Gallery 2
        Team Photos
        Volunteer Photos

        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.

          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.

            Mentor Breakfast at San Diego Regional

            Mentor Breakfast at San Diego Regional

            by | Mar 4, 2025 | Blog, Special Event

            Mentor Breakfast

            FIRST could not exist without our mentors, and we value all the ways you show up and support our teams throughout the year.

            As a token of our appreciation, we invite you to start practice day off on a good foot with some fresh bagels and coffee! Stop by our table outside the volunteer lounge on Friday morning.

            DATE: Friday, March 21st
            TIME: 8:30am – 9:30am
            LOCATION: Outside the Volunteer Lounge at UCSD Liontree Arena

             

            Join the San Diego FIRST Mentor Network 

            Last fall, we launched the San Diego FIRST Mentor Network on Slack, as a digital community to help foster connection and increase collaboration. This build season, our local mentors found it exceptionally useful to quickly find parts needed from other teams, or to share tools.

            To request an invitation to the San Diego FIRST Mentor Network, please fill out the form here.

             

            Thank you for all you do!

            Alumni Mixer at Los Angeles Regional

            Alumni Mixer at Los Angeles Regional

            by | Mar 4, 2025 | Blog, LA Special Event, LA Special Event

            FIRST Alumni and FIRST Seniors

            Come on down for sweet treats, a FIRST California alumni sticker and a chance to hang out with fellow FIRST alumni and soon-to-be alumni!

            DATE: Saturday, March 15th, 2025
            TIME: 12:15pm – 1:00pm
            LOCATION: Next to the field

            * Please do not use your school email address

            Sign Up for your FREE Pass to the Alumni Mixer

            * indicates required

            By joining the Los Angeles Regional Alumni Mixer, you will also be signed up for the FIRST California Alumni network and will occasionally receive info about events and opportunities.

            X