Volunteer Spotlight - Kevyn Hollowell

FIRST is a place where you might find yourself meeting NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at a Championship event and, in the very next moment, feeling inspired by students at every competition. For Kevyn Hollowell, these experiences capture what makes volunteering with FIRST so exciting, fun, and deeply rewarding!

Kevyn began his refereeing journey in 2008 in Indiana and officially started volunteering with FIRST in Texas in 2019. His first FiT event was the Plano District in Spring 2019, just before moving to Texas later that summer. Volunteering at that event gave him the opportunity to connect with the community he would soon work alongside, and he has been an active and valued member of FIRST in Texas ever since!

Throughout his time with FIRST, Kevyn has primarily served as a referee and Head Referee. He stepped into the Head Referee role in 2014 at the Las Vegas Regional and continues to serve in that role at FIRST in Texas events, FIRST Championship, and events in Las Vegas. His consistency, fairness, and leadership on the field help create a positive and respectful experience for teams, mentors, and fellow volunteers.

While meeting well-known figures has created lasting memories, what truly stands out to Kevyn is the respect and appreciation shown by students, mentors, and event organizers at every event. That shared sense of gratitude makes volunteering especially meaningful and is what brings him back season after season.

The most rewarding aspect of volunteering, Kevyn says, is working with students. Each year, he is amazed by their intelligence, motivation, and drive. Being part of their journey and helping ensure they have the best possible experience is something he considers a privilege.

Volunteering has also had a lasting impact on Kevyn personally. Through FIRST, he has built strong friendships and sharpened his skills as a communicator and leader. Like many in the FIRST community, he finds it hard to see the season end and is already looking forward to the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition season.

Thank you, Kevyn, for your dedication, leadership, and continued commitment to FIRST in Texas. Volunteers like you help make these experiences possible for students across our state.