A first-year team from Washington state has made waves in the global STEM community by winning the Champions Award at an international robotics competition in Boston. Competing in the 1st Lehi League (FLL), which emphasizes robotics and innovation, the team was among 35,000 participants from 111 countries.

Their standout project, \"Sonic Dunk,\" aims to make basketball accessible for individuals with visual impairments. The team, inspired by their love for basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic, identified challenges faced by visually impaired players and developed an audible basketball kit that utilizes sound technology to guide players toward the hoop. The kit includes a custom basketball with bells to help players locate it and a hoop that emits different sounds based on shot accuracy.

To ensure their innovation effectively meets the needs of visually impaired athletes, the team consulted with various organizations, including The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes and the Washington State School for the Blind. Feedback led to enhancements such as tactile court markers and a training mat designed for footwork and dribbling skills.

Sonic Dunk also features a companion app that tracks player statistics and includes gamified elements to motivate users. The app connects via Bluetooth to the hoop, providing real-time feedback on shooting performance. Additionally, the team has collaborated with Amerability, a service provider for the disabled, to further develop their project for market readiness.

The team's efforts have not only garnered recognition but also fostered community engagement, as they hosted events to inspire and mentor new FLL teams. Their journey highlights the intersection of technology, sports, and inclusivity, aiming to empower athletes of all abilities.