Texas Southern University Debate Team Wins International Forensic Association Championship

HOUSTON, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The internationally-renowned Texas Southern University (TSU) Debate Team won the 35^th Annual International Forensics Association's Speech and Debate Tournament held March 7-9 in Incheon, South Korea.

"Our team has worked tirelessly honing their skills as debaters while representing Texas Southern on the grandest of stages," said head debate coach Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts. "This championship reflects the dedication we see daily. I could not be prouder of this accomplishment for this group of scholars, and for our university. It is a true embodiment of excellence in achievement."

Texas Southern was among 27 teams to compete in the tournament, including those from universities such as Vanderbilt University, Southern Methodist University, Bradley University, and others. In addition to winning the coveted first-place sweepstakes award as the overall championship team, the team earned 21 awards, including first place in Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation, Duo Dramatic Interpretation. They also earned fourth and fifth place top Parliamentary Debate Speakers Awards.

"When we competed in this competition in Ireland last year, the result wasn't what we prepared for and it motivated us to work harder throughout the year to be ready for this moment," said Debate Team member Jaila Hampton. "It was gratifying to compete at the level to which we knew we were capable. We are excited to bring another international championship back to Texas Southern."

This win marks the debate team's fifth IFA championship, the most recent occurring in 2018.

Established in 1949 by the late Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, the TSU Debate Team provides students a platform for forensic arts including parliamentary debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, persuasive oratory, informative speaking, after dinner speaking, poetry, prose, dramatic and duo dramatic interpretation, impromptu and extemporaneous speaking, and Reader's Theater.

"We won first place in all four of the tournaments we'd been on," Dr. Batiste-Roberts added. "But then to top it off with the championship was a wonderful and heartwarming experience for the students, and for me because I'm reminded always of our founder Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, who brought so much to the debate team as its founder and coach for over 70 years. He passed in 2020, but his spirit is still alive with us."

The team was accompanied by seven assistant coaches - Jordon Williams, Sondera Malry, Atty. Marcus Ester, Jessica Johnson, Chantule Baccus, Mikayla Wallace, Trendi Nguyen – all Debate Team alumni. Additionally, during the tournament, Nguyen was elected to the IFA executive committee where she will serve as International Liaison.

About Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. As such, TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation's underserved communities with academic and research programs that address critical urban issues and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. A distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas.

Kerrigan Williams
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