From Novice to Nationals: FC Speech and Debate is No. 1 in the Nation
From left to right: Hamza Soboh, Matthew Stroud, Annie Wood
Fullerton College Speech and Debate is buzzing with excitement after a recent triumph at the 2023 National Forensics Association (NFA) Championship, April 13-17. The team’s outstanding performance propelled them to a resounding first-place victory in the Community College Division, solidifying their position as the top Community College Debate Program in the NFA Lincoln-Douglas debate.
In addition, Fullerton College sophomore Annie Wood was a standout, defeating several varsity debaters during preliminary rounds and delivering a crushing defeat to CSU, Sacramento in the semifinals. Wood finished second place overall in the Novice Division of debate.
“Fullerton College’s debate team’s success at the NFA Championship is a testament to the entire team’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” said Communications Studies Professor Toni Nielson. “It was the collective efforts of Matt Stroud, Annie Wood, and Hamza Soboh that resulted in a championship finish.”
The team had head-to-head victories over top universities, including University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of North Texas, Illinois State University, and the University of Utah, showcasing exceptional debate skills and talent.
“My favorite part of nationals was meeting other debaters,” Wood said. “As someone who mostly debated online, going to nationals and meeting my opponents and other colleges was a big deal, and I feel really grateful to Dean Orlijan and President Olivio for sending our team to nationals.”
Wood says that at the end of this year, she feels participating in debate helped prepare her for law school by teaching her how to build knowledge effectively, understand complicated ideas quickly, and apply those ideas efficiently.
The Fullerton College Speech and Debate team provides an opportunity to develop valuable skills that can assist in a wide range of exciting careers. Students interested in pursuing careers in law, journalism, politics, education, and many other fields can benefit significantly from honing debate skills, Nielson said. Debaters learn to think critically, articulate their ideas, and communicate effectively. They also develop a keen ability to research, analyze, and communicate complex information. Additionally, the debate team provides an excellent opportunity to build a network of like-minded people and establish connections that can help with future career opportunities.
Students do not need any prior experience to join the speech and debate team but are required to enroll in Communications Studies 138F: Forensics.
To learn more visit the Communication Studies website.
