Texas Southern University’s debate team continues to make history, adding another remarkable achievement to its legacy.
On Tuesday, TSU announced that its prestigious debate team emerged victorious at the 35th Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament, held in Incheon, South Korea.
“Our team has put in relentless effort to refine their debating skills while representing Texas Southern on a global stage,” said head debate coach Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts. “This championship is a testament to the dedication we witness daily. I could not be prouder of this incredible accomplishment for our students and our university. It truly exemplifies excellence in achievement.”
Competing against 27 teams, TSU secured the first-place sweepstakes award and earned an impressive 21 individual accolades. This victory marks the debate team’s fifth IFA championship, reinforcing the lasting legacy of excellence established by the late Dr. Thomas F. Freeman.
Among the competing institutions were Vanderbilt University, Southern Methodist University, and Bradley University. In addition to winning the overall championship, TSU students took home numerous individual awards, including first place in poetry dramatic interpretation and duo dramatic interpretation. They also secured fourth and fifth place in the parliamentary debate speakers’ awards.
“When we competed in Ireland last year, the results weren’t what we had hoped for, and that motivated us to work even harder throughout the year to be ready for this moment,” said debate team member Jaila Hampton. “It was rewarding to compete at the level we knew we were capable of. We are thrilled to bring another international championship back to Texas Southern.”
This latest win marks the team’s fifth IFA championship, with their most recent victory before this one occurring in 2018.
Founded in 1949 by the late Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, the TSU Debate Team has provided students with a platform to excel in forensic arts. Their areas of expertise include parliamentary debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, persuasive and informative speaking, poetry, prose, dramatic and duo dramatic interpretation, impromptu and extemporaneous speaking, after-dinner speaking, and Reader’s Theater.
“We won first place in all four tournaments we competed in this year,” Dr. Batiste-Roberts added. “To cap it off with a championship was an incredible and heartwarming experience for the students, and for me personally, as I am always reminded of our founder, Dr. Thomas F. Freeman. He dedicated over 70 years to this team, and although he passed in 2020, his spirit remains with us.”
The team was accompanied by seven assistant coaches—Jordon Williams, Sondera Malry, Atty. Marcus Ester, Jessica Johnson, Chantule Baccus, Mikayla Wallace, and Trendi Nguyen—all of whom are alumni of the Debate Team.
Additionally, during the tournament, Nguyen was elected to the IFA executive committee, where she will serve as International Liaison.
