The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Speech and Debate Team continued its record-setting season in speech competitions. The speech team finished second at the American Forensic Association’s National Speech Tournament, April 5-7 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The University of Texas at Austin won the competition.
Nebraska had 19 students qualify for the tournament, where they competed against students from 58 other universities and colleges across the country. There are 11 events in college speech, ranging from public speaking events, like informative and persuasive speaking; to limited preparation events, like extemporaneous and impromptu speaking; to interpretation events, like poetry and prose interpretation.
The Nebraska team had 66 qualifications, the maximum number in the national tournament. Only the top quarter of competitors move on to the elimination rounds. Nebraska led the nation, with 37 qualifications. The team’s previous record was 19, accomplished in 2022 and 2024.
The top six performers in each event make it to the final round. The university had six students advance in eight events, both records. Senior David Swotek of Malcolm finished fifth in poetry interpretation and sixth in duo interpretation with fellow senior Marcus Cureton of Lexington. Senior Kayli Pham of Omaha finished fourth in extemporaneous and impromptu speaking. Junior Sydney Kwasa of Omaha finished fifth in dramatic interpretation and third in duo interpretation with sophomore Tamyia Bender of Omaha. Bender also finished third in poetry interpretation. First-year student Kilee Wilkinson finished fourth in oral interpretation.
Four Huskers also placed in the top 20 in the all-around individual sweepstakes. In addition to Swotek, seventh; Kwasa, eighth; and Pham, ninth; junior Reed Greger of Plattsmouth took 15th place. The university was also selected to the National All-American Team. Only 10 students in the nation achieved All-American status this year. Prior to this year, the university’s best finish at the National Speech Tournament was fifth in 2002.
Aaron Duncan, director of speech and debate, was honored at the tournament’s opening ceremony for attending his 25th National Speech Tournament. Duncan has served as director since 2005.
“This tournament was the highlight of my coaching career," Duncan said. "Not merely because our students won the most awards in school history, but because of who they are as people and the messages they sought to share.”
The speech team was led to success by Duncan; Allison Bonander, director of speech; Cassidy Emmerich and Isa Scaturro, assistant directors; and Daniel Wheaton and Brendan Kachnowski, assistant coaches.
“This team is the embodiment of years of hard work, dedication and true grit," Bonander, a 2010 alumna and former team member, said. "I could not be prouder of how they performed in and out of competition - they are powerhouse performers, using their voices to make impactful changes in the world. It's a joy to work with the brightest, most compassionate students on campus. Breaking our team records was thrilling for all of us. Watching the team get the chance to showcase their talents, their messages and their hard work on a national stage was something I'll cherish for a long time.”
Duncan said it has been a pleasure to coach at Nebraska for the last 20 years.
"UNL is an institution that celebrates critical thinking, debate, discussion and dialogue," Duncan said. "We are grateful for the unwavering support of the Department of Communication Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences, alumni and the Chancellor’s Office.”
Next up for the Speech and Debate Team is the National Tournament for Lincoln Douglas Debate, April 16-21 at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. The university won the national championship in Lincoln Douglas Debate in 2022 and 2023 and finished fourth at the tournament last year. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Speech and Debate Team is the oldest student activity on campus, having been founded in 1871.
The team is part of the Department of Communication Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. More information on the team is available online.
