University of the Pacific’s speech and debate team placed in the Top 5 at the 33rd National Parliamentary Debate Association National Championship Tournament in Macon, Georgia, securing Pacific’s ranking as the No. 4 program in the nation for the 2025–26 season.

The competition put Pacific up against some of the top teams in the country, including UC Berkeley, Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin.

“Our goal is to treat every regular season invitational as practice for nationals, but this year’s team was unique because many of our best competitors were ascending sophomores and juniors,” said Director of Forensics Steven Farias. “This meant the learning curve had to be steeper and we are fortunate that our students are committed to the grind in preparation for nationals. It shows in their results.”

Two Pacific teams advanced to elimination rounds, with students competing in fast-paced debates that require them to analyze complex issues, build arguments and respond to opponents with little preparation time.

Sarah Campi ’26, a geological and environmental sciences major, and Carson Paul ’28, a political science major, advanced to the Elite Eight, finishing seventh overall after a narrow split-decision loss to Whitman College.

Jocelyn Avila ’28, a business and political science double major, and Benjamin Brogger ’27, a political science major, reached the second round of the tournament, with both students earning Top 20 speaker honors for their individual performances.

“I’ve been on the team for three years, and gone to two nationals, but was never able to break,” Campi said, which means a competitor advances in the competition. “This year I was able to break in both National Parliamentary Debate Association and National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence, and I won the All-American Award, which highlights academic ability and debate accomplishments throughout your career.

“It felt great to earn those awards because I spent my entire debate career working towards accomplishing these goals. I had a great time competing at Mercer University and loved being able to spend time with my teammates and coaches while we were there.”

The tournament also marked an important leadership milestone for the program. Farias was elected President of the National Parliamentary Debate Association for the 2026–28 term.

Pacific’s speech and debate team has a rich history dating back to the 1950s. The experience provides students with practical skills that extend far beyond competition, helping them develop critical thinking, communication and professional skills.

“Debate teaches students to think critically on the spot, evaluate arguments and communicate their ideas clearly,” Farias said. “Just as important, it teaches them how to disagree professionally and have productive conversations about difficult issues.”

Students can apply those skills to their majors in a variety of fields, from engineering and business to public service and education. The ability to analyze information quickly, build logical arguments and communicate persuasively helps prepare them for workplace decision-making and leadership roles.

“Students learn how to evaluate problems and respond in real time,” Farias said. “Those are the kinds of skills they use when they’re working through challenges in a professional environment or making decisions with limited information.”

“Competing at nationals this year was an amazing experience because it brought together some of the most talented debaters in the country. Every round was very competitive, but it was rewarding to see the work our team put in all year show up at the most important tournament. Debating at that level reminded me why I enjoy forensics so much and why all the preparation that goes into it throughout the season is worth it.” Avila said.

Three teams from Pacific will compete at the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence in April, which brings together a field of 20 elite teams.

Pacific will host the 34th annual National Parliamentary Debate Association National Championship and the 27th annual National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence in 2027.