Key Points

• Cabrillo High School’s drone soccer team finished third in the world at a major international competition, with support from Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery.
• The refinery’s decade-long partnership with the school has provided funding, equipment and opportunities that helped launch and grow the school’s drone soccer program.
• Beyond competition, the program has opened doors for students through hands-on STEM learning, leadership development and career pathways in the community.

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Cabrillo High School’s drone soccer team ended the 2024-25 school year on a high note after finishing third in the world at one of the sport’s premier global competitions, an achievement powered in part by a long-standing partnership with Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery.

The Flying Jaguars, as they are known, represented the United States at the 2025 FAI F9A-B Open International German Drone Soccer Cup after securing the national title in 2024. Competing against top teams from France, Germany and Hong Kong (which took first place), Cabrillo earned a strong third-place finish and international recognition.

“This is about more than drone soccer,” said Ken Fisher, Cabrillo High School engineering teacher and team advisor. “These students are learning what it means to compete at the highest level, represent their school and, this time, their country, and believe in themselves and each other. I have never been prouder.”

Shortly after their third-place finish, Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery presented Cabrillo High School’s drone soccer team with an additional $15,000 grant to support its continued success in the fast-growing sport and in STEM education.

The Los Angeles refinery has supported Cabrillo’s engineering and design program for more than a decade, investing nearly $300,000 in student-focused science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives. That support helped launch the drone soccer program, provided six drones and a regulation arena, and created new opportunities such as the school’s annual Women in STEM luncheon.

“We are so proud of the Flying Jags and their incredible showing on the international stage,” said Olga Chavez, Senior Community Relations Representative at the Los Angeles refinery. “This partnership has truly been one to remember, and seeing the students compete in uniforms proudly displaying the Marathon logo and our signature red, white and blue colors made it even more special.”

The connection between Cabrillo and Marathon goes beyond financial support, with its Los Angeles refinery playing an active role in the community, from drone soccer students also taking part in the refinery’s longtime Summer Youth Program to other STEM-focused opportunities made possible through that ongoing support.

“Having this kind of support from Marathon means everything,” Fisher said. “It continues to open doors and create real possibilities for our students.”

As one of the fastest-growing STEM-based sports in the world, drone soccer teaches students to build, code, fly and compete as a team. At Cabrillo High School, it has become a gateway to hands-on learning, leadership and career exploration. As students continue to excel, the Los Angeles refinery values its role in helping shape the next generation of professionals in the community.