McNeil and Westwood robotics teams have earned spots at the 2026 FIRST International Championship in the FRC and FTC divisions!
"Qualifying for the world championship is the goal every year, and I'm proud to say we've only missed that standard once in the team’s first four years,” said McNeil, Senior Urjith M.
In April, McNeil High School’s The Robobots claimed victory at the 2026 FIRST in Texas District Championship, which brought together 90 high school FRC teams from Texas and New Mexico.
Their impressive performance in this year’s competitions and victory at the District Championship ensured their automatic qualification for the World Championships. The Robobots, coached by Carrie Copeland and mentor Gijs Landwehr, earned points to rank 12th in the FIRST in Texas division.
Westwood High School’s Orange Dynamite, guided by coach Sarah Carvajal, secured 15th place in the FIRST in Texas division, while the Slingshot team won multiple awards in the FIRST Tech Challenge.
Carvajal said she knows how important this team is to her students.
"Robotics gives students a sense of belonging and teaches them both technical and soft skills when they are a part of a team,” Carvajal said. “Our successes are due to the commitment of the students and the mentors throughout this season. Both of our FRC teams in Round Rock ISD have brought home two blue banners each, which is huge for our robotics program. I hope this sets the trajectory for our robotics for years to come."
All three district–sponsored teams represented Round Rock ISD at the international 2026 FIRST Championship, joining competing teams from Texas in the FRC and FTC divisions.
Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez said he was excited to hear about this year’s growth in robotics.
“It’s impressive and inspiring to see the growth in our Robotics programs this year and having these three teams compete at the international level,” Azaiez said. “Our school mentors, coaches and sponsors are giving our robotics students great opportunities to learn, experience and even make connections with new international teammates and friends.”
As this year’s robotics competitions end on a high note, the district is excited to support this program in its growth and is thankful to have educators and volunteers who dedicate their time to our students throughout the year.
From 2025 to 2026, Round Rock ISD robotics participation grew from 205 to 341 students.