UL Speech and Debate Team

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage of the first responders, families, and countless individuals forever impacted by that day.

09/09/2026

After a well-deserved three-day Labor Day weekend, we’re back and working hard at practice! 🎤📚

Labor Day itself is a reminder of what can happen when people come together, speak up, and advocate for change. That same idea is at the heart of what we do every day. We’re helping our students strengthen their voices, share their ideas, and become the people who will help shape what comes next.

Here’s to another week of learning, growing, and making our voices heard! ❤️🗣️

09/02/2026

Our graduate assistants are already putting in the work! 🗣️✨ Today, we got together to discuss ideas, brainstorm, and prepare for the new Speech & Debate season. We can’t wait to keep exploring what’s in store for our team this year! ❤️⚜️

So many exciting things ahead! 🎤🏆

08/28/2026

Only one week into classes, and our team is already putting in the WORK! 👏🎤

Practices are in full swing as we make sure everything is polished, prepared, and ready to go for the season ahead. We continue to be amazed by our team and their ability to balance classes, work, organizations, practices, and everything else on their plates.

We’re so proud of the dedication they’ve shown already, and we can’t wait to see what this year has in store for our Speech & Debate family! ❤️🗣️

08/24/2026

Welcome back, Cajuns! ❤️🤟 We’re so excited for a new semester filled with fresh goals, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of opportunities to make your voice heard. Let’s make it a great one! 🎤⚜️

06/30/2026

Its Summer Workshop Day. Bring on the caffeine!

06/21/2026

Assistant Alumni Coach Jacob Leger is a force! Coaching Middle School, High School and our students is a superhuman task that he does with empathy, passion and student centered leadership. In this journey Jacob has also been paramount in mentoring young coaches and graduate students. Graduate Student Emily Guidry is also a community standout working with DTSMA and our own students while earning her masters. Congratulations DTSMA we are so proud to have shared the journey with you!

06/19/2026

Team Louisiana shared a meet up with David Begnaud, CBS Anchor as well as LHSSL and UL Alumni. In a real and honest conversation, students and coaches heard about advocacy, the willingness to change your mind and were able to ask David questions about his life, career and forensics days. David challenged students to continue to find ways to show up in the speech community and give back.

06/18/2026

Tune in at 5:00pm ET to see DTSMA student Gavin Crayton, coached by Assistant Alumni Coach Jacob Leger and Grad Assistant Emily Guidry compete in POI Finals!

https://live.speechanddebate.org/

Watch livestream coverage of finals and awards from the 2026 National Tournament starting Thursday, June 18!

06/16/2026

It may be summer but Dr. Hammons is hanging out at the National Speech & Debate Association Nats 26 in Richmond, VA. Traveling with Team Louisiana is a great reminder of the emerging talent in our high schools. Follow along this week for check-ins from Dr. Hammons, Assistant Alumni Coach Jacob Leger and Grad Student Emily Guidry.