The Coronado High School robotics team, “Cougars Gone Wired,” has secured a spot at the FIRST Robotics World Championship. This achievement is a major accomplishment for the team, since this is the first time in 9 years they have qualified for worlds, which the team found out on May 31st.

Worlds is set to take place from April 29 to May 2, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The competition will be hosted at the George R. Brown Convention Center, where “Cougars Gone Wired” will face off against teams from all over the world.

For the members of “Cougars Gone Wired,” this is about more than just the robot; it is about the “trial by fire” that brought them here. Team member Kelsey Modoff highlights the family-like bond formed during the season. “Going through the trial by fire of build season really makes the team into a family,” Kelsey said. “We can

push through high-pressure moments with each other’s support.”

The team’s expectations for Worlds are centered on growth and connection. Kelsey also expressed pride in their progress. “I am most proud of our work ethic and how well we’ve been pushing forward,” she noted. “At my first competition, I was proud of our team’s work ethic too, but now it’s more focused on perseverance as I get to see the team overcome more and more challenges together.”

As the team prepares for the trip to Houston, they are awaiting a new and unique atmosphere on the international stage and looking forward to meeting people from all across the world. “There are some really cool robotics teams I’m looking forward to talking to.” With April 29th approaching faster day by day, “Cougars Gone Wired” continues to focus on the perseverance that has defined their season, ready to represent Coronado at the highest level of competition.