Welcome to the Wonderful World of Speech & Debate Coaching

Every season, hundreds of new coaches across the country step into one of the most transformative roles in education-based activities: Speech & Debate coaching. For some, the path is unexpected, sparked by a student request, a nudge from an administrator, or the memory of a mentor who made a difference. For others, the call is deeply personal, rooted in the belief that helping students find and use their voice is one of the most powerful investments an educator can make.

According to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA), more than 150,000 students participate in competitive speech and debate annually, supported by thousands of coaches at the high school level. Each season, new coaches join their ranks, often without formal training, but with a willingness to learn, grow, and serve. The journey is not always easy, but it is always meaningful – for both students and the adults who guide them.
 

Why Coaches Say Yes
For Emrys Tyler of Pagosa Springs High School, the decision to coach came directly from student enthusiasm.

“A small group of students who knew me through cross country approached me about resurrecting the speech and debate team at the high school,” Tyler recalls. “I love to support youth, especially in endeavors that will change the world for the better, so I said yes. I am also motivated by a belief that thoughtful, critical, and honest conversations and debate in the public sphere are essential for the thriving of our society.”

Other coaches find themselves returning to an activity that shaped their own lives. For Ryan Dornan of Trinidad High School, it was family and tradition.

“My uncle, Jim Dornan, was a Speech and Debate coach in Longmont for over 30 years,” Dornan remembers. “Growing up, I watched the impact he made on countless students, and that left a lasting impression on me. I competed in CX, LD, PF, and Extemp during my own high school years, so when the opportunity came to help rebuild Trinidad High School’s program, it felt like coming full circle.”

And for some, like Anavey Waitman of Delta High School, the motivation is rooted in gratitude.

“I personally became a coach because as a former student I remember the difference my coaches made for me,” Waitman said. “I wanted to not only help students succeed but be a safe space for them, as well.”

Building Culture, Not Just Competition
Speech and Debate does more than prepare students for tournaments, it helps shape school culture.

Liz Jense of Liberty Tree Academy puts it simply: “I would love to see this school start to make a name for itself for having joyful competitors and spread a culture of excellence everywhere we go. It doesn’t matter to me if we see success in ribbons, but if we have a growing team of students who love the program and are growing in confidence then that will be the measure of our success.”

In schools large and small, urban and rural, the activity is proving to be a cultural anchor, one that builds pride, raises expectations, and fosters inclusion.

The Challenges New Coaches Face
Like any activity, Speech and Debate coaching comes with challenges – many of which are unique to new leaders. Dominique Jones of Fountain-Fort Carson High School admits the hardest part has been shifting the definition of “winning.”

“My biggest challenge has been teaching that even when you lose a round you still won,” Jones explains. “It’s about teaching resilience and optimism.”

For rural coaches like Dornan, resources and scale present obstacles.

“As a very rural school with fewer than 200 students and no dedicated speech class, I knew the challenges would be significant,” he says. “What surprised me most, though, is the incredible support network within the Speech and Debate community.”

That community support – from veteran coaches, associations, and peers – often becomes the lifeline for those just starting out.

A Supportive and Empowering Community
Ask any new coach what surprised them most, and you’ll often hear the same answer: the Speech and Debate community feels like home.

“It felt like home,” Jones says of her first impression.

“All of the coaches around you are so helpful,” adds Waitman. “It’s such a beautiful community. Don’t forget to be goofy with your kids, support them in every way possible, and just have fun.”

That sense of belonging extends to students as well. Hunter Knapp of Eagle Valley High School describes watching transformation happen before his eyes.

“A student sat next to me on the bus for the first tournament of his freshman year because he was so nervous,” Knapp remembers “He is now a captain on the team and more confident in every way.”

Knapp sums up the community in one word: empowering.

Why It Matters
Beyond trophies and tournaments, the work of a coach shapes futures. Students develop critical thinking, confidence, and resilience. They learn to stand up not only for themselves but also for others.

“I hope my students take away the will to stand up for themselves and marginalized people who need their support,” Knapp reflects.

These skills matter. Research from the NSDA and partner organizations consistently shows that Speech and Debate alumni outperform peers in college readiness, civic engagement, and leadership development. New coaches are often surprised at how quickly the activity changes lives, even in its first season.

What New Coaches Can Expect

• Rapid growth in students: Expect to watch quiet students find their voice and leaders emerge in unexpected ways.
• A steep learning curve: From ballots and tournament logistics to event rules, the first season can feel overwhelming, but support is available at every turn.
• Community support: Local and national associations, veteran coaches, and even competitors are eager to help.
• Lasting relationships: Speech and Debate teams often become families, creating bonds that extend well beyond high school.

Advice for New Coaches
The collective advice from those who’ve just stepped into the role is simple: don’t be afraid.

“Don’t be scared,” says Waitman. “All of the coaches around you are so helpful… support them in every way possible, and just have fun.”

Jones echoes the importance of perspective: “Even when you lose a round you still won.”

And, Dornan emphasizes leaning on others.

“The support network within the community has been outstanding,” Dornan shares. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

A Role That Matters
Coaching Speech and Debate is not just another assignment, it is an opportunity to shape the future of students, schools, and communities. It’s a commitment to creating spaces where young people can wrestle with ideas, grow in confidence, and prepare to make an impact in the world beyond high school.

As Tyler reminds us, the work connects to something bigger: “Thoughtful, critical, and honest conversations and debate in the public sphere are essential for the thriving of our society.”

For those just starting out: welcome. You’ve joined a community that is as empowering as it is rewarding, and your role has the potential to change lives, including your own.

Top 5 Tips for New Speech & Debate Coaches

1. Don’t Go It Alone
   Connect with local associations, veteran coaches, and the NSDA. The Speech & Debate community is famously supportive. Use it!
2. Redefine “Winning”
   As Dominique Jones (Fountain-Fort Carson HS) says: “Even when you lose a round you still won.” Focus on growth, resilience, and confidence, not just trophies.
3. Lean Into School Culture
   A thriving team can uplift your whole campus. As Liz Jense (Liberty Tree Academy) notes, true success is when “junior high students are already talking about joining the team.”
4. Be a Safe Space
   Students look to coaches for more than feedback – they need encouragement, understanding, and trust. “Don’t be scared,” says Anavey Waitman (Delta HS). “Support them in every way possible, and just have fun.”
5. Celebrate the Journey
   From shy freshmen to confident captains, transformation happens quickly. Hunter Knapp (Eagle Valley HS) reminds us: “The community is empowering.”