Speech and Debate Team Secures 2026 National Champions Title
The Speech and Debate Team at Fullerton College recently won the 2026 Collegiate Advocacy Research and Debate (CARD) Nationals JV Championship and Tournament and Conference of Scholars (TACOS) at Weber State University. Led by new Communications Studies Professor LaToya Green, our Hornet team secured this accomplishment with teamwork, rigor and the power of mentorship.
“Debate is widely considered a co-curricular activity because of the clear and dynamic positive impact it has on the students who participate,” said Green. “Students become more confident and capable speakers because they can effectively organize their thoughts, support their perspectives with reasoning and evidence and express themselves with conviction.”
Fullerton College represented four teams that competed in pairs throughout the tournament. After defeating Hillside College with a 2-1 decision in the final round, communications majors Cheyenne Abeyta and Talitha Arthurs were recognized as second and third place speakers overall. The team’s debaters also included:
- Emily Arcila
- Ernest Figeruoa
- Sofi Gallo-Llorente
- Gabriel Hood
- Nathaniel Ortega
- Mona Sayedsalim
The path to victory also included wins against the University of Minnesota, Gonzaga University, Western Washington University and Hillsdale College. Additional competitors included teams from California State University Northridge, Weber State and Arizona State universities and the University of Puget Sound.
CARD is an organization for intercollegiate debate programs and a format of competitive debate rooted in evidence and advocacy. The experience trains future advocates through analysis, communication and community in an accessible and enriching manner. Competitive debate rounds last 1 and a half hours and include 30 minutes for pre-round disclosure and preparation. Students are also required to deliver a 6-minute constructive, 4-minute rebuttal and a 2-minute cross-examination period.
Green, the Speech and Debate Team’s director and coach, joined Fullerton College in the fall 2025 semester. In just her first year at Fullerton College, Green has excelled as the team’s advocate, leader and mentor.
“Because debate requires untangling complex ideas, reading academic and political analysis and taking detailed notes quickly to respond to opponents, these skills enhance student proficiency when met with similar tasks in the classroom. It requires competitors to speak with both passion and precision, which is the type of high-impact practice that empowers students both in the classroom and as they move about the real world.” said Green.
A proud part of FC ‘s Humanities Division, the Speech and Debate Team offers an exciting opportunity for students to develop skills and compete against schools from the area and from throughout the United States.
Learn more about Speech and Debate at Fullerton College on the Communication Studies department website.
