03/12/2025
We are !
🏆 The Texas Southern University Debate Team has claimed victory at the 35th Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament in Incheon, South Korea! 🗣️
Out of 27 competing teams, TSU took home the 1st place sweepstakes award and earned 21 individual accolades, including top honors in Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation, and Parliamentary Debate. This marks the team’s 5th IFA championship and is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and legacy of excellence set by the late Dr. Thomas F. Freeman.
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.
“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. This is a true embodiment of excellence in achievement.” ---- "We had won 1st place in all four of the tournaments we had been on, and 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.”
“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.”
Congrats to our incredible team and coaches for making history once again!
