The Texas Southern University (TSU) Debate Team just scored a major win, taking first place at the 35th Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament in Incheon, South Korea!
Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts, the team’s head coach, couldn’t be prouder. “Our team has worked tirelessly to get here,” she said. “This championship is a testament to their dedication and excellence.”
TSU competed against 27 other universities—including Vanderbilt, Southern Methodist, and Bradley—bringing home a whopping 21 awards, including first place in Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation, and Duo Dramatic Interpretation. They also snagged top spots in Parliamentary Debate Speaker rankings.
For Debate Team member Jaila Hampton, this win was extra meaningful. “Last year in Ireland, we didn’t get the results we wanted. That motivated us to work even harder, and now we’re international champions!”
This is TSU’s fifth IFA championship, with the last one in 2018. The team, founded in 1949 by the legendary Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, has long been a powerhouse in the forensic arts. Dr. Batiste-Roberts reflected on his legacy: “Winning this championship was not just a proud moment for us, but also a way to honor Dr. Freeman, who led this team for over 70 years.”
The team was backed by seven assistant coaches, all former TSU debaters. One of them, Trendi Nguyen, was even elected to the IFA executive committee as International Liaison during the tournament.
With this victory, the TSU Debate Team continues to prove they’re a force to be reckoned with—on both national and international stages!
