News

Santa Catalina School’s robotics team made a big splash at the FIRST Robotics Sacramento Regional competition March 14–17. With their compact and plucky robot, the “Otternaut,” the C-Otters steadily climbed in ranking throughout the weekend, eventually finishing in third place—a performance that earned them a spot at the World Championships in Houston, Texas, April 15–20.

The team showed their mettle in the qualification rounds, mastering their strategy of scooping up game pieces and hanging the robot from a cage to rack up points. Sitting in third at the end of 12 matches, the C-Otters earned the honor of being captain for the double elimination rounds, selecting two other teams to be part of their alliance in the quest for victory. This was the first time the team has held such a role, and they fell just short of the final round, going up against world champions.

On top of their spectacular performance, the C-Otters were recognized with FIRST Robotics’ new Sustainability Award for their eco-friendly construction methods (such as reusing components and prototyping designs with cardboard), creation of wooden team buttons, and other efforts. In addition, team president Yunah ’26 was named a finalist for the prestigious Dean’s List Award in recognition of her leadership. Finally, as one of the few all-girls teams on the circuit, the C-Otters teamed up with Wolverine Robotics of Sacramento to provide free menstrual products throughout the competition as m.e. FIRST ambassadors.

It was a great start to the season for the C-Otters.