Two local high school seniors are proving that innovation, teamwork, and determination aren’t confined to Silicon Valley tech labs. Olivia and Caden, both Monte Vista High School seniors, are leaders on their school’s robotics team, a program that blends engineering, creativity, and community outreach. Their story is one of inspiration, late nights in the workshop, and the thrill of competing on a global stage.
Getting to Know the Students Behind the Bots
“I’m Olivia, a senior at Monte Vista and co-captain of the robotics team,” she says with a smile that reveals both confidence and enthusiasm. “I started out in an AAUW program encouraging women in STEM, and by freshman year, I was hooked.”
Caden, her teammate and fellow senior, serves as the team’s electrical lead. “I first joined because
of my older brother,” he explains. “After attending my first meeting, I was hooked too.”
For both students, what began as curiosity quickly grew into a passion. The robotics program gave
them a place not only to learn technical skills, but also to grow as leaders and problem solvers.
About the Team & the Season
The Monte Vista team competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), an international
challenge involving thousands of teams from around the world. Each year, the challenge changes. This year’s game was inspired by ocean conservation: robots worked to plant “coral” (PVC pipes), clear “algae” (large rubber balls), and score points by placing items into nets and processors—all in just 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
“The first 15 seconds are completely autonomous,” Olivia explains. “No human control at all. Then, student drivers take over for the remaining two minutes.”
Their 2025 robot was a marvel: weighing over 100 pounds, it featured a custom swerve drive system, an elevator mechanism with CNC-cut parts, and sensors that allowed for precise control. “Our bumpers, chassis, and custom parts kept it stable—even at seven feet high,” says Caden, who wired every motor, sensor, and battery system.
As co-captain, Olivia oversaw more than just the technical side. “I managed deadlines, coordinated
with other teams, and worked with our business team on grants and sponsorships. But I also jumped in on the electrical side whenever needed.”
The Learning Curve
If there’s one thing robotics teaches, it’s resilience. Olivia reflects on how the team shaped her: “Robotics has formed the person I am today. From soldering wires to diagnosing motors in the middle of competition, I learned to think on my feet, lead a team, and build community.”
Caden agrees. “A robotics team is not a one-man show. It’s about deadlines, collaboration, and problem-solving. Every season presents new challenges, and nothing ever goes exactly as planned. That’s where creativity comes in.”
One such challenge came when the team realized their robot was overweight by nearly 20 pounds. After countless late nights and tough decisions, they rebuilt parts with lighter materials, swapped motors, and reworked their arm mechanism. “It was hard to let go of ideas that we loved, but it taught us the importance of adaptability,” Olivia shares.
Caden recalls another hurdle: equipment. “Without a CNC router or 3D printer, we had to rely on outside machining, which slowed us down. It forced us to carefully plan ahead and make every part count.”
Competitions, Community, and Camaraderie
This year, the team competed at the Pinnacles Regional and the San Francisco Regional, and their hard work paid off with recognition including the Rising All Star Award. In 2024, they achieved what had seemed impossible: qualifying for the FIRST World Championships in Houston, where they competed among the top 600 teams worldwide.
“Walking into the World Championships was unforgettable,” Caden recalls. “I’ll never forget seeing a fully autonomous R2D2 robot one team built.”
Olivia lights up remembering the camaraderie. “We’ve had so many fun moments—karaoke in hotel rooms, inside jokes in the workshop, even laughing when we discovered that rookie members taped down uncrimped battery wires. Robotics is stressful, but those moments make it unforgettable.”
Looking Ahead
Both students see robotics shaping their futures.
Caden is committed to pursuing electrical engineering in college, while Olivia says robotics has inspired her to explore engineering, even though she has always been drawn to the humanities. “Nothing compares to the adrenaline of building, fixing, and competing with robots. I never want to give that up.”
When asked what they want the community to know about robotics, Olivia emphasizes the scale. “This isn’t a small hobby. Our 40-person team builds a 115-pound robot and raises $50,000 a year to fund it. We run like a business, and every student has a vital role.”
Caden adds, “It’s as intense as any other sport. The teamwork, the competition, the late nights—it all matters.”
Their advice for younger students?
“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do,” says Olivia.
“Prior experience doesn’t matter,” adds Caden. “Anyone can learn.”
A Community of Innovators
For Olivia and Caden, robotics has been more than just a club. It’s been a launching pad for their futures, a community that has taught them resilience, and a place where passion meets teamwork.
“I’ve learned how to lead, how to build, and how to work with people in a way I never imagined,” Olivia says.
“And I’ve found my calling,” Caden concludes.
As Blackhawk neighbors, we can be proud that students like Olivia and Caden are not only representing our community on the global stage but are also inspiring the next generation to dream bigger, build smarter, and work together.
Red Tie Robotics is always looking for mentors, sponsorships, and more. For more information email hello@redtierobotics.org, and check out their website redtierobotics.org.
By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010