Indiana University’s debate team claimed a national title at the American Debate Association National Championship tournament, held at Emory University.
In a milestone achievement for the program, Lily Jones, a sustainability practice and policy major at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Indianapolis, and Jay Duggal, a student in the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, secured the Junior Varsity National Championship title. Jones was also named the tournament’s top speaker, while Duggal placed third overall among speakers in the division.
“This team represents the best of Indiana University—students from different disciplines coming together to tackle complex issues and communicate solutions at the highest level,” said Brian DeLong, university debate coach and senior lecturer at the O’Neill School. “This national title proves that when you give IU students the right resources, they don't just participate in the conversation—they lead it.”
In the novice division, Adam Foudali and Rowlin Garcia earned the Front Royal Cup, awarded to the top novice debate team in the nation across the full competitive season. Aubrey Thomas added to the team’s accolades with a third-place overall speaker finish in the novice category.
Preparing leaders through mentorship and practice
The team’s performance also highlighted its emphasis on mentorship and applied learning. Varsity debaters, including O’Neill students Zander Fish and Maia Truemper, played an active role in coaching junior varsity and novice competitors throughout the tournament. This peer mentorship model reinforces key skills in policy analysis, research, and public communication.
Fish and Truemper will continue IU’s national presence later this month as they travel to Houston to compete in the National Debate Tournament.
Other students representing Indiana University at the ADA National Championship included Aaron Fernando and Kaz Pena.
A collaborative model for student success
Although IU’s first intercollegiate debate was held in 1893, the program’s modern resurgence began in 2009. Under DeLong’s leadership, IU Debate has developed into a nationally competitive program, currently ranked fifth in the country.
The program’s growth reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation. While housed in the O’Neill School, IU Debate benefits from collaboration across multiple schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, as well as support from an engaged alumni network.