U-M Debate Team Wins 38th Annual American Debate Association Championship

U-M Debate Team wins the 38th annual American Debate Association National Championship, defeating Northwestern.

March 12, 2025

March 11, 2025

U-M Debate Team Triumphs at National Championship

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The University of Michigan Debate Team clinched victory at the 38th American Debate Association National Championship. The event, spanning March 8-10 in Houston, welcomed nearly 200 debaters from 25 colleges.

LSA students Eleanor Barrett and Jiyoon Park secured the win against Northwestern University with a unanimous 3-0 decision in the final round.

A photo of a woman and a man holding a trophy and a plaque — LSA students Eleanor Barrett and Jiyoon Park pose with a trophy and plaque after the U M Debate Team members won the 38th annual American Debate Association National Championship Photo courtesy of Aaron Kall

The team also triumphed over Emory University, the University of Kentucky, and Liberty University in earlier elimination rounds.

Another U-M team, Avinash Shah and Conner Shih, advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, while Rebecca Davidov and Ben Saudek reached the round of 32.

With roots dating back to 1903, U-M’s Debate Team is among the oldest in the nation. They will wrap up the 2024-25 season at the 79th National Debate Tournament in Spokane, Washington, from April 3-7, where they are the current champions.