Debate Team
Congratulations Rollins College Debate Team
At the National Speech Championship Tournament:
Ella Hutsell placed Third Overall in Debate and was the Top Novice Debate Champion; Jade Monroe was the Novice Extemporaneous Speaking Champion; Anthony Figlozzi was the Novice Impromptu Speaking Champion.
At the Florida Intercollegiate Tournament:
Aidan Frazier won the Varsity Debate Championship, Ella Afrifa and Jade Monroe won the Novice Debate Championship.
At the Sunshine Series Tournaments:
Aidan Frazier won the Junior Varsity Debate Champion; Anthony Figlozzi was a Novice Debate Semifinalist; Gisele Bourbeau won Second Place Dramatic Interpretation; Amelia Frazier won Fourth Place Poetry Interpretation.
Meet The Rollins Varsity Debate Team
The Rollins College Debate Team was inaugurated in the fall of 2007 by Dr. Eric D. Smaw with the help and guidance of Dr. Roger Casey (former Provost). Since its inaugural year, the debate team has celebrated many notable achievements, including top place finishes at the state, national, and international level, and top place awards in speaking and overall team performance. The members of the Rollins Debate Team are proud to have the opportunity to represent Rollins College at home and abroad, and we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellent debating.
The Pursuit of Academic Achievement and Civic Engagement
At Rollins, debate gives you space to test ideas, sharpen your voice, and learn how to listen before you respond.
As a member of the Debate Team, you’ll practice the kind of thinking Rollins is known for: clear reasoning, strong communication, and a willingness to engage with complex issues from more than one point of view. You’ll research real questions, build arguments, speak under pressure, and learn how to carry a conversation with confidence and care.
That work reaches beyond competition. Rollins debaters have taken part in conversations on racial justice, global citizenship, and social change, using debate as a way to understand the world and their place in it.
You’ll also join a team with a record of strong results. In 2026, Rollins earned 2 state championships and its first national tournament bid, with students competing across debate and individual speaking events.
Keep Exploring
Take a deeper dive into the Debate Team at Rollins by hearing from past students and about your future coach.
March 11, 2026
Rollins Debate Team Wins Two State Championships
The Rollins College Debate Team returned from the 2026 Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Tournament in Tallahassee with major competitive successes and two state championships.
February 27, 2024
Rollins College Debate Team To Participate in National Ethics Bowl
The all-female Rollins Debate Team, currently ranked 5th in the nation, is preparing to compete in the upcoming "Ethics Bowl."
March 01, 2018
What It’s Like ... to Debate a Movement That’s Changing the World
Once again, the Rollins Great Debate team takes home the trophy—and after a week of listening and learning, a whole lot more.
Debate Team Coach
As Debate Coach and Director of Forensics, Painter led the Rollins team to 2 state championships and a national tournament bid in 2026. His coaching helps students build the skills behind strong public argument: research, listening, persuasion, confidence, and clear communication.
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David Painter, PhD
Associate Professor of Communication
Debate Coach and Director of Forensics
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