Spelman Speech and Debate Showcases National Excellence with Three Titles, 18 Awards

Voices of Victory

The Spelman College Speech and Debate Team captured national titles at the HBCU National Speech and Debate Championship held Feb. 6-7 at Texas Southern University in Houston. Demonstrating a high level of intellectual skill and preparation, the team returned to Atlanta with three national championship titles and 18 awards, establishing its position as a top program on the national stage. Of the team’s 36 members, 21 students traveled to Houston, making their impact felt in every round.

National Titles and Team Leadership

The team secured several of the competition's highest honors, earning national champion titles in three major categories: National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA), International Public Debate Association (IPDA) and extemporaneous speaking.

The team’s performance was guided by the leadership of president Sophia Wade, C’2028, who captured first-place national titles in IPDA and extemporaneous speaking, alongside speech captain Ryley Anthony, C’2027, who earned top placements in three speaking events, including third place in extemporaneous speaking and debate captain Makayla Rivera, C’2028, whose collective efforts were instrumental in navigating the competitive two-day event.

Excellence Through Authenticity

For the team, the victory is a celebration of both intellect and identity. Anthony noted that the team’s preparation is built on a foundation of being genuine and staying grounded in Black womanhood.
"We all want to win, at the same time, we recognize the courage, pride and vulnerability that come with sharing your writing, your ideas, your thoughts and your feelings with others," Anthony said. "The judges are not just listening to the words. They can feel what the girls are expressing. They understand where they are coming from, and they can sense the passion and influence behind each performance."

This focus on the artistry of communication enabled the team to connect effectively with judges across all categories, regardless of the topic.

Shaping Future Leaders

The team’s advisor, Dorian Brown Crosby, Ph.D., C’91, praised the students for representing Spelman with distinction both on and off the stage.

"It has been a pleasure to assist such a remarkable group of students who continue to represent Spelman and themselves extremely well," Crosby said. "They are champions in and outside the debate arena. I am confident that each of them will be a successful leader in any of their future endeavors."

By securing 18 awards on a national stage, the Spelman Speech and Debate Team continues to highlight the College's commitment to academic excellence and the power of the spoken word.

View the Tournament Official Results

Speech and Debate Team Achievements

Parliamentary Debate
First Place: Jocelyn Baker, C'2027 and Laila R. Johnson, C'2027

International Public Debate
First Place: Sophia Wade, C'2028
Semifinalists: Makayla Rivera, C'2028, Mariam Mohammed, C‘2029, and Taylor Ali-Robinson C '2029
Quarterfinalists: Yahira Willis, C'2029

Extemporaneous Speaking
First Place: Sophia Wade, C'2028
Third Place: Ryley Anthony, C'2027
Fourth Place: Anaya Northern, C'2028

Homiletics Speaking
Fourth Place: Kennedy Truitt, C‘2028

Impromptu Speaking
Fourth Place: Ryley Anthony, C '2027
Fifth Place: Myah Crawford, C'2029

Dramatic Interpretation
Sixth Place: Ryley Anthony, C'2027

Poetry Interpretation
Third Place: Shelah Boyd, C’2028
Fifth Place: Myah Crawford, C'2029

Slam Poetry
Second Place: Shelah Boyd, C'2028
Fifth Place: Bryanna Hightower, C'2028

Overall Sweepstakes
Second Place: Debate Sweepstakes
Third Place: Overall Sweepstakes
Fourth Place: Speech Sweepstakes