Snuggled between two science classrooms in a hallway that’s otherwise deserted during lunchtime, the robotics room was buzzing with movement in the lead up to spring break. Walking in, I was greeted by a sign reading “It’s not the will to win that matters, it’s the will to prepare to win that matters,” standing high atop the brown double doors.
That inspirational quote was more than an accurate reflection of what teams were doing in the lead-up to the tournament: preparing. As the lunchtime rush of students cramming in last-minute tweaks, driving, and spray painting – all practicing for this year’s 2025 Vex VRC Robotics States Tournament – picked up, so did confidence within the teams. Conveniently hosted here on campus, this year’s 2025 VEX VRC Robotics State Tournament featured 56 teams from all over Virginia.
With the prospect of qualification to this year’s Vex Robotics World Championship in Dallas in early May on the line, only eight of the teams will make it to the Lone Star State. The nature of what is at stake makes for an ultra-competitive environment of teams from all parts of the state, including here in McLean, Richmond, Virginia Beach, among others.
From freshmen who were looking to qualify for their first national competition at the high school level to seasoned seniors, a wide variety of teams and groups were out to snatch a spot on their way to Texas. While the actual tournament itself took place over the course of two days, teams spent nearly six months preparing.
With the culmination of the tournament on the 16th of May, Potomac took a large share of the spoils. Two Potomac teams took home awards, sealing their qualification for May’s tournament. Team 12C, composed of both seniors and sophomores, won the “Amaze Award” in recognition of their consistently high-performing bot. Team 12A, made up solely of freshmen, won the “Innovate Award” thanks to their highly detailed notebook. Of the seven teams from Potomac that took part, two placed in the top ten in skills rankings, with the others all faring well in both skills and actual match rankings.
Overall, the tournament was a massive success for Potomac, with several teams sealing their qualification to the National tournament in Texas this upcoming May. While many teams fared well, it was also a massive opportunity for the school to showcase their Robotics prowess – which they did!
