T he LaMattina Fam()
Photo by Sheila Arrington Photography | OctOber 2025
EVENTS THE TEAM
Note Publisher’s
October is here! Cool mornings, colorful leaves, pumpkins on porches — fall has ofcially arrived.
One of the best things about living in East Sac is how much the community leans into traditions. Halloween in the Fab 40s is about as good as it gets. The houses go all out with decorations, the streets are packed with families, and the whole vibe is just incredible. It’s something to experience!
What I love most is how it brings everyone together. Neighbors chatting on the sidewalks, kids running from house to house, people slowing down to just enjoy the moment. It’s those little things that make this community so special.
Here’s to a fun and festive October. Hope you get a chance to soak it all in — from the crisp fall mornings to the trick-or-treaters at your door.
Paul Comstock paul.comstock@localprintmedia.com
kathryn.oconnell@localprintmedia.com
Attorney - Estate, Trusts, Wills
Law Ofces of Colin T. Smith
Colin Smith (916) 563-7140
colintsmithlaw.com
Gymnastics
Little Whale Tumble School (916) 883-1150
Bank
El Dorado Savings Bank (916) 454-4800
eldoradosavingsbank.com
Real Estate Residential
Coldwell Banker
Elise Brown (916) 715-0213
weliveeastsac.com
Home Services
Santa's Lights (916) 365-4842
santaslightssacramento.com
Custom Framing
East Sac Frameworks (916) 224-3354
eastsacframeworks.com
Home Services
Dunzo Gutters (916) 571-6644
dunzogutters.com
Dentist Pediatric
Capital Pediatric Dentistry (916) 476-3972
capitalpd.com
Insurance Farmer’s Insurance
Kevin Guinn (916) 453-2910 agents.farmers.com/kguinn
Disaster Restoration
ServiceMaster Restore (916) 617-2603
smrbyfrstresponse.com
Interior Designer
Elizabeth C. Style Interiors elizabethcstyle.com
Dog Food
Healthy Hounds (916) 346-4416
healthyhounds.com
Landscaper
Chris McKoy Landscape (916) 743-7868
chrismckoylandscape.com
Real Estate Residential
Coldwell Banker
Rich Cazneaux (916) 212-4444
eastsac.com
Real Estate Residential
Coldwell Banker
Tim Comstock (916) 548-7102
timcomstockrealestate.com
Financial Planner
Capitol Park
Dom Leber (916) 929-7200
Mortgage Broker KMG
Ted Kappel (916) 416-5626 kmgloan.com
Funeral Home
East Lawn (916) 732-2020
eastlawn.com
Pet Adoption
Sacramento SPCA (916) 802-0915
sspca.org
General Contractor
MT Higgins Construction (415) 654-4659
mthiggins.com
Photographer
Shiela Arrington Photography (916) 698-1891
shielaarrington.com
Senior Living Community
Mercy McMahon Terrace (916) 733-6510
mercymcmahonterrace.org MERCY
Speech and Occupational Therapy
Capital Kids (916) 296-4616
capitalkidsplace.com
Swim School
Little Whale Swim School (916) 790-5945 littlewhaleswim.com
Tax Professional
CA Coast Tax Pros
Ed Guanill (916) 565-7442
cacoast-taxpros.com
Wealth Management
DeCamilla Capital Wealth Managements, LLC (916) 979-0870
decamillacapital.com
Effective and personal planning for your family, loved ones and neighbors for over 10 years
• Wills & Living Trusts
• Estate Administration
• Probate
• Revisions/Up dates to Existing Estate Plans
plimentar y w to create e plan or update ate plan.
Elizabeth Comstock | Elizabeth C. Style Interiors
Sacramento native Elizabeth Comstock is the founder of Elizabeth C. Style Interior Design. Elizabeth is a wife and mom of two young children. She passionately helps people create their dream home by blending various styles and design elements.
Ed Guanill | CA Coast Tax Pros
A 25+ year veteran in the fnancial services industry.
As an independent Financial Advisor and Fiduciary, Ed particularly enjoys educating his clients on avoiding critical mistakes in retirement and taxefcient investment strategies. Ed and his wife, Erica, enjoy traveling, playing golf, and boating in San Diego.
Ted Kappel | KMG
Ted Kappel (past president of the East Sac Chamber) has been in the mortgage industry for 28 years. Ted learned his expertise over many years with Norwest Mortgage, Wells Fargo, and Vitek until he founded Kappel Mortgage Group, Inc (KMG) in 2004. Ted and his wife Jennifer Kappel chose the broker structure because it allows them to work with multiple banks for their clients’ best rates and programs.
Dr. David Crippen | Capital Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Crippen is a Board-Certifed Pediatric Dentist and the owner of Capital Pediatric Dentistry in Sacramento. He is on the medical staff at both UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Medical Center as well as serving as an expert consultant in the feld of pediatric dentistry for the Dental Board of California. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Crippen enjoys weightlifting, skiing and spending time with his wife, Dr. Gina Crippen, in the mountains of Lake Tahoe.
As the Marketing & Communications Director at the Sacramento SPCA, Dawn is dedicated to ensuring that pets and the people who love them in Sacramento are aware of and have access to lifesaving programs and education aimed at keeping pets and people together for life. She is committed to creating meaningful connections between the community and animals in need and she leverages more than 20 years of expertise in marketing and communications to enhance the shelter’s visibility. Driven by a deep passion for animals, Dawn's dedication extends beyond her professional role through her volunteer work as a foster caregiver for underage animals and those with special medical needs.
Tim is a 5th generation Sacramentan who grew up on 38th street in East Sac. A realtor since 2010, Tim specializes in residential and investment property sales. With every transaction, and with each client, Tim prides himself on communication, integrity and focus.
Originally from Texas, Kevin settled in Sacramento after serving in the United States Marine Corps. In 2007, he joined Farmers Insurance as an insurance and fnancial services agent. He loves giving his clients peace of mind and helping them with their fnancial future.
Raised in the heart of East Sacramento within a successful real estate family, tenured and tenacious Elise Brown has over 20 years of real estate experience and is a proud top producer for Coldwell Banker year after year. Her lifelong knowledge of the neighborhood and early exposure to all aspects of real estate give her an unmatched edge in one of Sacramento’s most-beloved home markets.
Carolyn Stallings | Capital Kids Occupational Therapy
Carolyn Stallings originally moved to East Sacramento over 25 years ago to attend CSUS for undergraduate studies. Carolyn has been an occupational therapist since 2005 and is the owner and director of Capital Kids Occupational Therapy in East Sacramento. She leads a team dedicated to providing high-quality speech and occupational therapy services to children in the Greater Sacramento Area. With a passion for evidence-based interventions, Carolyn has built Capital Kids into a trusted partner for schools, families, and the community.
Colin Smith Law Ofces of Colin T. Smith
Colin has been assisting Sacramento families with their estate planning needs for nearly 20 years. Dealing with the complex to the simple, the large estate to the small, special needs children, and spendthrifts, Colin has provided tailored estate planning solutions to clients of all backgrounds and stages of life. He looks forward to providing you detailed personal attention and the highest professional integrity in planning your estate.
From framing and fnished carpentry to installing windows and doors in Ireland and here in the United States, Michael has learned how to build a house from the foundation up. With this love for building homes and his attention to the smallest details, he has turned his passion into a business that focuses on the long-term goals and satisfaction of his clients from inception to completion. He loves spending time with his wife, Brianne, and their golden retriever, Fran, and is a member of the Del Paso Country Club.
Rickman | DeCamilla Capital Management, LLC
Tigh Rickman is the Chief Investment Ofcer at DeCamilla Capital Management, a wholly independent, locally owned investment advisor and strict fduciary. He manages portfolios for personal and company sponsored retirement plans, family trusts and individual investment accounts. Tigh sits on the board of directors at 916 Ink where he has served as Treasurer since 2021.
Dawn Foster Sacramento SPCA
Tim Comstock | Coldwell Banker
Elise Brown | Coldwell Banker
Kevin Guinn | Farmers Insurance
Tigh
Michael Higgins | MT Higgins Construction
LaMattina Famil)
by: Sheila Arrington Photography
by Krystal Creviston
Two weeks into life in East Sacramento, Sofa and David LaMattina already feel at home. With their fve-year-old daughter, Emilia, and their lively Jack Russell terrier, Rick, they’ve been soaking up the charm of McKinley Park, wandering shaded sidewalks, and sampling local favorites from Camellia Coffee to the Midtown Farmers Market. Though they’re renting for now, their sights are set on buying a house nearby—with Sofa’s sister and brother-inlaw, both real estate agents at The Talent Real Estate, guiding the search for “the one.”
The path to Sacramento has been a happy loop. David, an Emmy Award–winning television editor, grew up in New York and Atlanta before heading west to Los Angeles in 2002. Sofia, an actress with a comedic streak (you’ll spot her soon in the Netflix film Roommates), was born in San Francisco and raised in Sacramento, and is a proud graduate of Christian Brothers High. She studied political science at UC Santa Cruz while David pursued film at the Art Institute of Atlanta. His parents, John, a beloved teacher and jazz musician, and Roseann, a grandmother with a great sense of humor, continue to reside in Atlanta.
The two met in 2009 at The Good
Luck Bar in LA—a chance encounter that turned out to be life-changing. After years of adventure in Los Angeles, they decided it was time to be closer to Sofia’s tightknit family. “My parents, Maria and Jim Gonzalez, live in a beautiful home in the Pocket where they've built a loving life and remain devoted to uplifting the community. And my sister Sara and her husband Key have a gorgeous house near them,” Sofia says. “My brother Jaime owns a stunning Victorian in Midtown, and we feel so fortunate to be near all of them now.”
In just a short time, the LaMattinas have jumped into local life. Date nights often mean catching an indie film at The Tower Theatre or Dreamland Cinema,
while mornings begin with family walks. Evenings sometimes bring their “Family Questions” tradition to the dinner table— everything from “What animal would you be for a day?” to lighthearted debates over sports. (David roots for the Clippers and Yankees but promises he respects “the beam.” The family also supports Arsenal FC. Sofia just wants everyone to have fun.)
Emilia, meanwhile, already shows the spark of a stand-up comedian, delighting everyone with her memory for old jokes. She loves the park, feeding the ducks, and spending time with cousins. Her passions for
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dancing, drawing, and reading have her parents exploring local dance and children’s theater programs.
On weekends, you might spot Sofia and David at Ro Sham Beaux Wine Bar, on a day trip to Napa, or sifting through the neighborhood’s Little Free Libraries. Both share a love of cooking, hiking, and interior decorating—along with discovering new shows to watch together. They’re also eyeing water sports. David finds time for pickleball and golf, while Sofia stays devoted to Pilates and occasionally squeezes in writing.
As a family, the LaMattina’s love exploring Sacramento’s food and coffee scene. Favorites include Ginger Elizabeth, Aioli’s, La Cosecha Mexican Restaurant, Fox & Goose, Betty’s Wine Bar, Clarksburg wineries, Temple Coffee, and their goto neighborhood spots are East Village Bookstore and Trader Joe’s.
Are
Traditions matter, too. Every year Emilia places the star on the Christmas tree, and the family treasures their travels to Cabo San Lucas, Paris, Italy, and Palm Springs. A favorite ritual is heading to the movies together and sneaking in candy, of course.
The LaMattinas aren’t just settling in; they’re connecting. From gyms to book clubs, from neighbors to new friends, they’re embracing Sacramento’s blend of urban charm and family warmth. As they put it, they’re “just getting started”—and already, the city feels a little more like home.
Gracie the Wild Child:
EAST SACRAMENTO’S SPIRITED SURVIVOR
by Mercy Collier
I
n the heart of East Sacramento lives Gracie, an eight-yearold field hunting lab nicknamed “Wild Child” who rules the Davis household with a spirited but gentle nature. The Davises adopted Gracie when she was just nine months old from a friend who fosters animals in need. The black lab had been rescued while running down Jackson Highway, and she’s been keeping life interesting ever since.
Today, Gracie is a cherished member of the Davis family which includes: Chet and Jolane, their children Erin (a senior at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and Griffin (a sophomore at Jesuit High School), and their older and beloved dog, Molly. To the Davises surprise, Gracie is actually a purebred whose hunting instincts are off the charts. They kick in whenever Gracie senses someone might threaten her family — even if it’s only the mailman. In her playtime, Gracie loves to chase squirrels
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or tear up any pillow or blanket in the house. When she’s not fooling around or chewing up Chet’s running shoes, Gracie can be seen walking all over East Sac with her family. She also loves swimming, joining the Davises on their boat, on trips to the beach, or a spontaneous dip in the pool.
Gracie is one spoiled pet! With a healthy diet and two walks a day, she has everything a dog could want. But the pampering doesn’t stop there. You can often find her snuggling
on the couch with the family or “chillaxing” wherever she wants. Her favorite spot? In front of the warm fireplace, of course! The Davises also love dressing Gracie up in T-shirts, Halloween costumes, hats and tutus.
Gracie is playful and affectionate, but she is also extremely strong and determined. In the fall of 2023, she was diagnosed with cancer. With unwavering devotion, the family supported Gracie through two surgeries, radiation and many months of chemotherapy. Today, Gracie is nine months in remission! Even in the trying times of Gracie’s journey, the Davis family found moments to laugh at her irresistible personality and occasional mischief. During her treatment, a steroid medication dramatically increased Gracie’s appetite, causing her to eat “anything and everything.” One day, the Davises came home to find she had devoured a whole Costco container of croissants, along with a partial stick of butter. After her final round of chemo, the staff at the animal hospital celebrated Gracie by gifting her a bandana decorated with croissants — and a croissant-shaped plush toy to go with it!
Jolane says the most rewarding thing about being a pet owner is giving animals the best life possible. She describes Gracie as a sweet soul who is “always on duty to serve.” She
remembers how heartbroken the family was years ago after they lost their much-loved dog, Abby, to cancer — and how, just weeks later, Gracie came into their lives. “We rescued Gracie, but we needed rescuing also,” Jolane says. Gracie and her family are certainly lucky to have found each other.
Want to share your sweet pet with your neighborhood? Email kathryn.oconnell@localprintmedia.com today!
Mobile Silent Auction Opens Monday, October 20th!
Putting on the Glitz to Save Lives
Learn More at SSPCA.ORG/GALA
Presented by
Ted Kappel
The Many Ways to Use a Mortgage Broker
When most people think about a mortgage broker, they picture someone helping them buy a home. While that’s true, brokers can play a much broader role in personal finance — from structuring debt consolidation to assisting with investment strategies. Because brokers work with multiple lenders rather than just one bank, they can often match borrowers with programs tailored to unique situations.
1. Buying a First or Next Home
A mortgage broker can help buyers navigate the lending landscape, comparing interest rates and loan terms across many institutions. This can be especially valuable for first-time buyers, who may qualify for low down payment programs, closing cost assistance, or flexible credit requirements — tools that can make homeownership achievable sooner.
2. Debt Consolidation: Reducing Interest and Freeing Up Cash Flow
Homeowners with significant high-interest debt, such as credit cards or personal loans, may find relief by consolidating that debt into a mortgage. For example, rolling $1,000 in monthly credit card interest into a home loan at a much lower rate could free up hundreds each month. Applying those savings toward the mortgage principal can shorten the loan term and save thousands in total interest.
YOUR DREAM HOME STARTS HERE
3. Self-Employed Borrowers Have More Options Than They Think
Self-employed individuals often face challenges with traditional mortgage approval because taxable income may not reflect true earnings. Specialized loan programs — such as Bank Statement loans, Profit & Loss (P&L) only programs, and Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans — consider alternative documentation like cash flow or rental income rather than tax returns. These can open doors for entrepreneurs and small business owners to purchase or refinance property.
4. Considering Investment Properties
Real estate investment can be a path to building long-term wealth. Some investors look for opportunities when prices are stable, knowing that values often rise as interest rates decrease. Brokers can help evaluate financing options — including rental income–based programs — to make investment purchases more accessible.
5. One-Stop Access to Specialty Loan Programs
Beyond conventional mortgages, many brokers have access to a wide range of specialty programs such as VA loans for veterans, USDA rural housing loans, FHA programs, reverse mortgages, jumbo loans, renovation financing, and even construction and ADU loans. Having these options under one roof can save time, simplify the process, and ensure borrowers are matched with the program that best fits their goals.
Final Thought
A mortgage broker’s flexibility comes from access to multiple lenders, a variety of loan programs, and the ability to tailor solutions to specific needs. Whether purchasing, consolidating debt, or investing, exploring options through a broker can reveal strategies that may not be available through a single lending source.
17th Annual Wiffle Tournament / JDRF Fundraiser
by Melissa Strand
Each
In 2010, their son Finn, just three years old at the time, began exhibiting classic symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes while the family was vacationing in Arnold, California. After consulting their pediatrician, they rushed him to the emergency room where his blood sugar measured a staggering 673. A week at Sutter Memorial Hospital followed, filled with emotional lessons in managing a life-threatening, incurable disease. Then, in 2016, their younger daughter Rowan received the same diagnosis.
far beyond the game. The tournament has grown into a full-fledged family affair with a bounce house, face painting, an ice cream truck, live music, and a big community BBQ. But the heart of the event remains the same: to raise awareness, funds, and hope.
The Tierney children, Finn and Rowan, have learned not only how to manage their illness, but also the power of giving back. For them, the tournament isn’t just about the games or the party, it’s about purpose. It’s about doing something meaningful, learning to be grateful, and standing in solidarity with others facing the same challenges.
firmly believe in the power of action, no matter how big or small. They encourage other families facing hardship to harness their personal experiences and turn them outward into something that lifts others up. Their advice is to take action and give back and lean on the people around you. “We are blessed with so many smart and generous family members and friends,” they say. “We lean on them each year to make this event what it is.”
In 2013, the Tierneys transformed their neighborhood wiffle ball game into a JDRF fundraiser. Since then, the event has raised over $175,000, including more than $17,000 in the most recent tournament alone. Every dollar goes directly to JDRF, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes and improving the lives of those affected by it.
Living just steps from the grassy expanse of T Street Parkway, they created a joyful experience for their community, eventually adding layers of fun that extend
For many in attendance, the tournament is their first encounter with Type 1 Diabetes and the mission of JDRF. It opens eyes, builds community, and inspires others to get involved. The Tierneys
Looking ahead, the Tierney family hopes to one day celebrate the final tournament; the one that follows the announcement of a cure. Until then, they remain committed to raising money, awareness, and spirits. For this family, the wiffle ball tournament is more than a game. It’s a legacy of love, resilience, and relentless hope.
summer, the T Street Parkway in Sacramento transforms into the backdrop for one of the most heart-filled sporting events in the region, the Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament hosted by Sarah and Gabe Tierney. What began in 2007 as a fun neighborhood game has grown into a major community fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), inspired by the Tierneys’ personal journey with Type 1 Diabetes.
OCapitol Park
by Alexandra Hruz
Dominic was in his early 20s—the ideal time for taking risks and making major changes— when he first jumped into the world of entrepreneurship. “I was 21 when I first started, so I thought that would be the best time in my life to gamble on myself,” he says. “I moved to Sacramento knowing less than five people and felt It was an opportunity to create something out of nothing and be responsible for running a business. If I succeeded, I would be a part of the success, and if I failed, I could only be upset with myself.” But failure wasn’t in the cards for Dominic, in large part thanks to his intense work ethic. In the earliest days of his business, Dominic worked 70-hour weeks and was making more than 200 cold calls daily. For several years, each day was a grind, full of challenges, no-shows, and moments of disappointment. Dominic says that these experiences, while frustrating and often demoralizing, shaped him as a person and helped him appreciate every win.
Today, Capitol Park has made its mark in the world of financial planning, wealth management, and risk management. Dominic and his business partner, Jeff, spend much of their time listening to their clients, working to understand their objectives, and using the tools at their disposal to assist them in achieving their financial goals. “After over 25 years, our goal is still to help our clients with items such as retirement planning, investments, education funding, and estate and succession planning,” he says. “Financial planning can seem very confusing or complex on the surface, but as long as we stay focused on helping them, the results will be positive.” The team at Capitol Park has a combined 60 years’ experience in the financial planning realm, a stat that proves that the team has the knowledge to help clients in any situation. Dominic says that the team’s communication style is one of its strongest key performance indicators.
Education is another business priority.
“We’ve learned over the years that if we educate our clients on the topic they are curious about or want help in, they will come to a conclusion that will be in their best interest, and that’s exactly what we want,” Dominic explains. “An educated client is the best client to be working with.”
Looking to the future, Dominic and the Capitol Park team want to keep growing by working with great clients and businesses in the Sacramento community. Above all, they plan to continue helping clients achieve their goals to the best of their ability.
Visit www.capitolparkwm.com to learn more about Capitol Park.
From the time she was a child, drawing and painting were special interests of Katy’s. Over the years, she’s worked to more clearly define her approach and follow her creative influences. Katy describes her style as loose, expressive, and sometimes elusive.
“I like to give the viewer a moment to find something inside that creates a feeling for them,” she says. Through her art, Katy hopes that people are swept away by the shapes and colors she’s created and develop their own thoughts and interpretations. Watercolors and acrylics are her go-to mediums of choice; she explains that they give her visual freedom, which allows her to choose sizes, perspectives, colors, and shapes based on what she sees and wants
Katy Lynch
by Alexandra Hruz
As the eighth child in a family of 10 siblings, Katy Lynch learned at a young age that spending time creating art was a way to retreat from the commotion of a busy household. While her artistic talent may have begun in this fashion, she eventually graduated from childhood art to her pursuits today, where she’s an artist creating work that provokes emotion and inspires thought.
Katy has also found that she gets a boost in creativity when observing nature. Recently, she was at the beach and saw a remarkable sunset that had her yearning to bottle up the colors. Katy adds that the journey to creating a painting can be challenging and that just getting started often can be the most difficult part. “When I begin a new piece, it usually comes from something that has inspired me visually and emotionally,” she says. As
she’s honed her artistic skills over the years, Katy explains that she has become mentally stronger, enjoying the process of creating and not focusing on the final product or the reactions of others to her artwork.
Success in the art world is subjective, but Katy has a strong vision of what the
word means to her. “Success as an artist is when a piece of art exudes a myriad of feelings and invokes something deep inside the viewer,” she says. Visit Katy’s website, dreamycolors.com, follow her on Instagram (artwork.by.katy), or stop by her studio to learn more about her art.
Do you have a fun article to share? We'd love to hear about it! Email kathryn.oconnell@localprintmedia.com today!
to create. “I don’t restrict myself to rules about art and how paintings should look,” she explains. “I allow myself the freedom to paint with a lot of feeling and emotion, which can influence my choice of color and shape, giving my paintings the depth and perspective I’m trying to achieve.”
For artists, inspiration is the key to creating impactful works of art. Katy takes inspiration from a variety of sources, including travel and nature. “Almost all my experiences in life have shaped the way I express myself in my art,” she says. “In my mind, it’s been my experiences that have influenced my subject matter and desire to create.” During her travels around the world, she’s heightened her awareness of details like foliage and building architecture.
Midnight Mission: Midnight Mission:
EAST SAC SCAVENGER HUNT
East Sac is brewing up some Halloween magic this year! Instead of just strolling past decorated porches and glowing jack-o’-lanterns, friends can turn their walk into a spooky treasure hunt filled with skeleton sightings, ghostly surprises, and plenty of pumpkin fun. With every block offering new haunts to spot, kids can join in the adventure and see just how many Halloween “treasures” they can uncover before the night is through.
Spooky Scavenger Hunt List. Find as many as you can!
1. A glowing pumpkin (jack-o’-lantern with a light inside).
2. A witch’s hat or broomstick.
3. Something with googly eyes.
4. A giant spider or web decoration.
5. A skeleton (bonus if it’s life-sized!).
6. A ghost hanging from a tree or porch.
7. Purple or green Halloween lights.
8. A black cat (real or decoration).
9. A monster (Frankenstein, mummy, vampire, or zombie).
10. A gravestone or RIP sign.
11. A bat (flying or hanging).
12. An inflatable Halloween character.
13. Something that makes noise or moves when you walk by.
14. Candy corn decorations.
15. A house with more than 10 pumpkins.
St. Francis High School Geneseas Rising: The All-Girl Robotics Team Making Waves Worldwide
by Mercy Collier
The St. Francis High School robotics team is building more than just robots — they’re constructing a legacy. For the past four years, the all-female team has placed in the top five in the world. Their secret? A focus on leadership and collaboration, along with countless hours spent in the robotics workshop.
The team is called Geneseas — a play on the Book of Genesis and the underwater mission of the robot. St. Francis’s MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) Robotics team is one of the few all-girl teams in the U.S. In 2023, Geneseas made headlines as the first all-female team to win the MATE ROV (remotely operated vehicle) Competition World Championship.
“It was so surreal when they called us up to the stage,” said Norah Zhou, St. Francis Class of 2023. Since their historic win, the team has become so popular at St. Francis that they had to field two squads last season: the varsity-level Rangers with 14 members and the new JV-level Navigators with 18 students.
In April, St. Francis clinched their fifth consecutive NorCal regional title. Two months later, they advanced to the 2025 World Championship in Michigan, competing in the high school division alongside 77 teams from 17 countries. Geneseas won an impressive fifth place overall, marking their fourth straight year in the world’s top five – a streak unmatched by any other team.
Team members say every competition brings new opportunities. The students meet other young engineers from all over the world, and they also get to check out a lot of cool robots.
“One of our favorite things to see is what the other teams came up with,” said Morgan Jones, St. Francis alumna, Class of 2023.
Geneseas members credit their success to hard work. Each year, the design process begins in August. By September, they begin building the robot, aiming to get it in the pool before January. Since the robot has so many components, the team is split into subteams: mechanical, electrical, software, tools, and buoyancy engine. From January to April, the robot is perfected. The team trains every Saturday in addition to after-school sessions and daily meetings during holiday breaks. That relentless commitment has fueled their dominance.
As a team of all-female engineers, Geneseas performs at the highest levels in an environment where women are underrepresented. That’s why one of the team’s top priorities is to inspire girls to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The team strives to build confidence, leadership skills and the spirit of perseverance in every member.
“It means a lot to us and it’s an honor to be a role model for other girls that want to be engineers,” said Zhou. “At St. Francis, there are no barriers. You don’t need any experience — you just have to be interested. It’s amazing.”
One of the team’s favorite memories from their 2025 season was at the regional competition in Monterey. The night before the event, the joystick that controls the robot broke, and they discovered another critical component wasn’t reliable. The team spent the night at the hotel repairing and testing the robot until it was competition-ready. The next day, when Geneseas was announced as the first-place winner, the entire team jumped up and down with excitement. Their determination had paid off, propelling them once again to the World Championship.
Another favorite memory from the season came at the team’s last practice, when they honored the seniors by jumping into the pool to celebrate. A hallmark of the team is that seniors mentor younger members, and passing that support on to the next class is key to their success. Many team members say they’ve built their closest friendships through robotics. “I enjoy the close bonds that I’ve formed with the team and I also enjoy being an inspiration to younger girls seeking to explore STEM careers,” said the team’s electrical lead, Laila Shamshad, St. Francis Class of 2026. Now Geneseas is looking ahead to the 2026 competition. They’ve delivered year after year, defeating the toughest competition in the world. The challenge ahead: beating the odds to carry on their winning tradition for a fifth straight year. Recent St. Francis graduate Kin Tirumala has no doubt they can do it: “We make the impossible possible.”
For additional information, contact robotics@stfrancishs.org
Do you want to share a young achiever? Email kathryn.oconnell@localprintmedia.com today!
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