Small-Town Robotics Team Proves Grit Can Compete at Nevada's Biggest Stage

Pahrump's Awkward Silence Robotics overcomes budget gaps and snowstorms to reach state semifinals

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Battling snowstorms, budget gaps and powerhouse private-school programs, Pahrump's robotics team Awkward Silence proved once again that small-town grit can compete on Nevada's biggest stage. The team, composed of mostly new members, climbed from a 14th-place ranking to 10th after alliance selections and reached the state semifinals, earning the prestigious Sustain Award in the process.

Why it matters

This story highlights how a small-town community robotics program can stand up to well-funded private school teams, showcasing the power of determination, teamwork and a supportive local community. It also underscores the challenges rural programs face in accessing technical mentors and resources to compete at the highest levels.

The details

Awkward Silence, Pahrump's local 4H robotics program, traveled to the Nevada State Robotics Championship in Reno despite a forecast of snow and uncertainty. The team, originally ranked 14th out of 47, climbed to 10th after alliance selections and reached the semifinals, partnering with a first-year team from Word of Life Christian Academy. The program's philosophy of "gracious professionalism" - helping competitors succeed - defines its culture. Of the team's six members, four were brand new, yet they earned the Sustain Award for long-term planning, financial stability, outreach and program continuity.

  • Awkward Silence competed at the Nevada State Robotics Championship last Thursday and Friday (February 23-24, 2026).
  • The team originally ranked 14th out of 47 teams heading into the state competition.

The players

Awkward Silence Robotics

Pahrump's local 4H robotics program that competes at the state and national level.

Jennifer Riendeau

The head coach of Awkward Silence Robotics.

Jaxon Riendeau

The team captain of Awkward Silence Robotics.

Word of Life Christian Academy

A first-year robotics team that partnered with Awkward Silence in the state semifinals.

Jason Riendeau

The longtime coach of Awkward Silence Robotics who stepped back from official coaching duties this season.

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What they’re saying

“It's a big responsibility to be the team captain, I try my best to always represent Awkward Silence well. I am really happy our team was able to make it so far this season. We had four new members ages 12-15, and part of our process this year was learning how to work together and finding each team member's strengths. By the end we were able to pull it off.”

— Jaxon Riendeau, Team Captain (Pahrump Valley Times)

“It proves the feeder system works, it just takes time and consistency.”

— Jennifer Riendeau, Head Coach (Pahrump Valley Times)

“It just gives me more flexibility. But I'm still here. I'm still helping and supporting.”

— Jason Riendeau, Former Head Coach (Pahrump Valley Times)

What’s next

The team is now focusing on fundraising, community outreach, mentor recruitment and summer programming to prepare for the next season. They hope to find engineers willing to volunteer and provide hands-on instruction to help the students learn more advanced coding and design skills.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how a small-town robotics team can overcome significant challenges and compete at the highest levels through determination, community support and a culture of collaboration. It highlights the power of grassroots programs to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, even in the face of resource disparities.