Drone soccer soars to new heights

Asheboro High School in North Carolina is soaring to new heights with its innovative approach to soccer — drone soccer. The school’s team, led by coach Wendy Graham, has been making waves in the world of sports by combining the principles of soccer with the skills of STEM, aviation, and team-building.

The team, consisting of students like sophomore Jaycoll Reyes, has been meeting for a few months to build, program, and learn how to fly drones for the unique sport. Each student on the team plays a crucial role, whether it be as a keeper, sweeper, center, striker, or forward, with each drone programmed differently to fit the needs of the position.

After months of practice, Asheboro High School competed in its first regional tournament in Virginia in March and emerged victorious, taking home the title. Now, the team is gearing up to compete in the U.S. Drone Soccer National Championship at Virginia Tech at the end of April.

Coach Graham expressed her excitement for the opportunity and hopes to see more schools in North Carolina get involved in drone soccer. While drone sports are more common in countries like South Korea and Germany, they are gaining traction in the United States, with Asheboro High School leading the way.

Reyes believes that drone soccer deserves more recognition and has the potential to become a bigger sport in the future. With their dedication and passion for the game, Asheboro High School’s drone soccer team is set to make a mark in the world of sports.