KU Debate qualifies three teams for National Debate Tournament

Brookynn Hato, left, and her partner, AJ Persinger, right, prepare for the National Debate Tournament. Photo from @KansasDebate on X.

The University of Kansas debate team is once again proving why it is considered one of the top programs in the country. Three KU teams have qualified for the National Debate Tournament, one of the most prestigious competitions in collegiate debate.

For members of the KU debate team, qualifying for the tournament is a major accomplishment. Scott Harris, director of the debate team, says the event is essentially the national championship of college debate.

“The National Debate Tournament is the functional equivalent in the world of debate to the NCAA for men’s and women’s basketball,” Harris said. “It is the opportunity to compete against the best and brightest universities from across the country.”

The Kansas Debate Teams’ winning banners from the National Debate Tournament in Bailey Hall. Photo by Alyx Wood.

Kansas has built a strong legacy in the activity. The program has won six national tournament championships and finished as runner-up the past two years, reinforcing its reputation as one of the nation’s most successful debate teams.

“We are very proud that the University of Kansas is one of the blue bloods of college debate,” Harris said.

For debaters like Brooklynn Hato, president of the debate team, hearing the news that they qualified for the tournament was unforgettable.

“One of the head coaches, Bret Brooker, texted AJ, and I immediately started screaming,” Hato said. “I was just very happy. The NDT is the big thing that you want, so we were just really happy and grateful to be able to go.”

Hato said qualifying also gives the team a moment to reflect on the work and support that helped them get there.

But with the tournament approaching, the team’s focus quickly shifts back to preparation.

“There will be no spring break for the debate squad,” Harris said. “We will be locked in and practicing to prepare for the tournament.”

The KU Debate Team will travel to Houston later this month looking to continue the program’s long tradition of success on the national stage. You can follow along for updates from the National Debate Tournament on the Kansas Debate X account.

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