Boise State Debate Team Wins 7th National Championship

The Boise State Talkin' Broncos are bringing home their seventh national championship trophy after dominating the Pi Kappa Delta National Championship in Springfield, Missouri. The victory adds another win to a legacy that started in 2005.

Over Spring Break, the team competed against more than 400 students from 58 schools across the country. Their preparation paid off in categories ranging from public debate to individual speaking events.

"This was not an accident or surprise; it was hard won," said Manda Hicks, director of the speech and debate program. "The students have been working all year to bring their best to the national stage in March."

Three Talkin' Broncos earned Pi Kappa Delta All American honors: seniors Allie Hampton and Chloe Sellers, along with junior Jaxon Holmes. Only 10 students nationwide received this recognition.

The team swept individual awards across the board. Sophomore Ari Ashby claimed the national championship in informative speaking and placed second overall in the Tournament Pentathlon, competing against more than 2,000 entries.

Hampton won first place in persuasive speaking while also earning the top speaker award in Open Public Debate. Holmes became the national champion in broadcast journalism and topped the speaker rankings in Team Public Debate.

Freshman Aleigh Holmes showed the team's depth by taking second place in discussion and third in congress. Fellow freshman Seddi Momenpour finished fifth in congress, proving the program builds champions at every level.

The Ripple Effect

This victory showcases what dedicated preparation and teamwork can accomplish. Every student who placed brought something unique to the team's overall success, from debate strategy to speaking excellence.

The program receives support from the Jeker Family Trust, making these opportunities possible for Idaho students. The team represents communities from across the state, including Meridian, Boise, Nampa, and Twin Falls.

The Talkin' Broncos will compete next at the International Public Debate Association Championship in Tennessee, where they'll continue building on this winning momentum.