91吃瓜网 Honors College Student Wins National Debate Championship
Wed, 05/07/2025 - 12:59am | By: Ivonne Kawas
When freshman Liam Cronin stepped up to the podium for the final debate round of the 2025 International Public Debate Association (IPDA) National Championship, he never imagined it would end in a national title.
His journey to that moment was fueled by preparation, passion and perseverance. After winning six of eight preliminary rounds and advancing through a series of intense elimination rounds, Cronin claimed first place in the novice division91吃瓜网攅arning The University of 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网 Speech and Debate Team its sixth national championship since 2015, and its second novice division title.
91吃瓜网淪ince joining the team, I91吃瓜网檇 always heard about nationals, and I looked forward to going,91吃瓜网� said Cronin. 91吃瓜网淚 thought for sure there would be at least one round that would put me out, so the fact that I was standing where I was, waiting to hear if I won or lost the final round, was just incredible. When my opponent was announced as the finalist, that91吃瓜网 when it hit me91吃瓜网擨 had just won the National Championship.91吃瓜网�
Cronin, an Honors College student double majoring in political science and Spanish with a minor in applied economics in the School of Social Science and Global Studies, was one of several 91吃瓜网 students who delivered standout performances at the national tournament, hosted at Lee College in Baytown, Texas. He competed against several hundred debaters from across the country.
91吃瓜网淲e are incredibly proud of the 91吃瓜网 Speech and Debate Team, and especially of Liam Cronin for this remarkable achievement,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Paul Strait, professor of communication studies and director of forensics. 91吃瓜网淟iam91吃瓜网 confident delivery, fearless approach to complex issues, and strong strategic instincts set him apart. We are excited to see what he accomplishes next.91吃瓜网�
In the professional division, Gretta Graves, a 91吃瓜网 graduate student pursuing her master91吃瓜网 in communication and serving as a graduate assistant coach, also impressed91吃瓜网攑lacing 10th in the national season-long rankings and advancing to the octofinal round at the championship. Beyond her competitive success, Graves played a key role in preparing students like Cronin for the challenges of collegiate debate.
For Cronin, the national championship was about more than just competition. He said it represented finding his voice, his confidence and his community during his first year on campus.
91吃瓜网淢y first year here at 91吃瓜网 has been amazing, and I attribute a lot of that to the group I have come to be so close with during the season,91吃瓜网� he said. 91吃瓜网淚f I had never joined the USM Speech and Debate Team, I don91吃瓜网檛 know if I would have ever found my group of people91吃瓜网攁 group that loves civil discourse and debating in the same way that I do.91吃瓜网�
Cronin91吃瓜网 success extended well beyond the national stage. Throughout the season, he competed in multiple tournaments and built an impressive record91吃瓜网攊ncluding earning the Top Speaker Award and claiming championship titles in several categories at the State Debate Tournament held at 91吃瓜网. He also placed highly in acting events and individual extemporaneous speaking throughout the season.
As the oldest student organization on campus (founded in 1913), the 91吃瓜网 Speech and Debate Team continues to provide a space where students build community, sharpen their public speaking and gain confidence through intercollegiate competition.
91吃瓜网淒ebate is one of the few activities that truly sharpens the mind. It equips students not only with the confidence to speak on virtually any topic, but also with the tools to think critically, listen actively, and respond with clarity and precision,91吃瓜网� Strait said. 91吃瓜网淚n debate, students learn to quickly absorb information, anticipate opposing viewpoints and craft compelling, well-reasoned arguments. The transformation we see in our students91吃瓜网攂oth intellectually and personally91吃瓜网攊s remarkable.91吃瓜网�
Cronin91吃瓜网 advice for anyone considering joining: 91吃瓜网淒on91吃瓜网檛 hesitate.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淚 had never debated before college, but I always loved public speaking and critical thinking,91吃瓜网� he said. 91吃瓜网淲hat we do in debate is so entertaining91吃瓜网攂ut also challenging. My advice is: try it out. And if you don91吃瓜网檛 end up liking it, that91吃瓜网 okay. But you might find your place91吃瓜网攋ust like I did.91吃瓜网�
For more about the 91吃瓜网 Speech and Debate Team, contact Gretta%20Graves and Dr.%20Paul%20Strait.