Here at Shadow Ridge High School, students have many opportunities to join athletic teams such as football, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling. However, one of the newest and most exciting teams on campus isn’t focused on strength or endurance, it’s all about strategy, coordination, and innovation. That team is the Shadow Ridge Drone Soccer Team.
The Drone Soccer Team gives students the chance to combine wits, technology, and creativity in a way that’s unlike any other school activity. Rather than scoring goals on a field, these pilots take their competition to the air, flying drones inside protective cages in a futuristic sport that’s growing in popularity across the nation.
Under the guidance of Dr. Padgett, the team has been experimenting and improving since its start. The group began by using styrofoam drones for practice at school events.
“We’ve been succeeding with styrofoam drones,” Dr. Padgett explained. “We’ve been doing drone flyovers at the assemblies and we’re going to continue to do that.”
These performances have helped showcase the team’s skill and have generated interest among students and staff alike.
Recently, the program received a major upgrade thanks to a generous donation from a community member who wanted to support the school’s growing technology initiatives. The funding allowed the team to move from lightweight styrofoam drones to more durable plastic models, providing a significant step up in performance and capability.
“We got a huge grant from a member of our society here, one person of means, decided to give us a lot of money,” said Dr. Padgett.
Currently, the team has 11 pilots, several of whom are highly skilled and experienced flyers. With their new drones, they are now preparing for official competitions in the Drone Soccer League. The team also plans to experiment with smaller handheld drones for indoor use and even mini-drone demonstrations.
As Shadow Ridge continues to encourage innovation and creativity, the Drone Soccer Team stands as a symbol of what happens when students mix technology with teamwork. With new drones, new goals, and high-flying ambitions, the future of sports at Shadow Ridge isn’t just on the field—it’s taking off in the sky.
