By Emilia Hull ‘25 and Hayden Oh ‘25

Photo by Hayden Oh ‘25 

Leadership involves inspiring, empowering, building relationships, and being a role model to others. At Regis Jesuit, these values are exemplified in every corner of the campus. The Regis Jesuit Speech and Debate team cultivates a strong group of leaders who ensure that each of their teammates develops confidence in their events and school community. 

“We have a very supportive team, a very student-led team like obviously me and Mr. Woodall are there as coaches and we do a lot, but our students really take pride in what they do and they have leadership roles that allow them to be teachers within,” said coach Ms. Miranda Smith ‘14. “And we always say, You know you’re good at something when you can teach someone else to do it.” 

Speech and Debate members attend practices three times a week to prepare for weekend competitions. These events are strenuous full-day commitments like any sporting event, but a priority of the program is for each member to form lasting friendships and enjoy the positive environment by cheering on all their peers. 

“It is most Saturdays, but at the same time, any coach of any sport, they’re committing to every night practice and games and things like that,” Smith described. “So for me, it’s a coaching position, so I take it as seriously as I think our athletic coaches do, where I’m committed to my team because I love what they’re doing and I want to support them in doing that.” 

Speech and Debate entails critical thinking skills, research and analysis of real-world problems, and clear communication skills. But the true foundation of the team’s success is in their core group of leaders who share their solidified knowledge to help other members reach success. They are outstanding leaders in their event settings and individuals who will forever influence others to be their most confident selves. 

“Seeing them grow and seeing them become more confident speakers or arguers,” Smith described. “I think that’s definitely my favorite part, getting to see that growth.”