After winning 161 awards over 21 days of competition this season, the IVC Speech Team tested their talents by competing at the 35th Annual International Forensics Association (IFA) Speech and Debate Championships. IFA is an affiliate of the National Communication Association and promotes the diversity of speech and debate competition in nations around the world by hosting an annual tournament in alternating countries. For 2025, Incheon South Korea was voted to be the location of the prestigious tournament. On March 5, two representatives for IVC Speech, Alex Velez and Tymen Koetsier, had the trip of a lifetime competing against students from 27 other colleges and universities. The duo competed in IPDA (individual) debate, extemporaneous speaking, and impromptu speaking. Ultimately, an astonishing five of the six events enrolled into the tournament received awards.
Continuing his season-long success, Alex Velez demonstrated his unparalleled skills by winning awards for all three of his events. Most notably, he beat out all 67 of his predominately university-level competitors to take 1st Place in the largest event at the tournament- Impromptu Speaking. In addition, he was awarded 6th Place in Extemporaneous Speaking, an Octo-Finalist in IPDA Debate and 10th Speaker overall. Meanwhile, teammate Tymen Koetsier took 2nd Place in Extemporaneous Speaking out of 56 competitors, along with an Octo-Finalist in IPDA Debate. Despite only having a mere two students representing IVC Speech, they crushed the competition and received a 3rd place team sweepstakes award- beating teams that had large squads.
While their teammates were in South Korea, the remainder of the IVC Speech travel team tested their skills at the CCCFA State Championship Tournament in Woodland Hills, CA. The grueling tournament was attended by hundreds of students from nineteen community colleges across California on March 12-16. IVC Speech concluded the week victorious by winning the 1st Place Sweepstakes Award in limited entry! IVC Speech accepted their 1st Place award after receiving multiple medals NPDA (team) debate.
The IVC debaters were tasked with a range of topics from advocating for policies to aid in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, to renewable energy as the sole source of power for all future developments, to the necessity of the Department of Education. The teams of Hassan Mekky and Kamalesh Sadu, along with Chaeryn Chung and Maddox Yarnall tied as the Bronze Medalists in the event. Meanwhile, teammates Karis Kwon and Sam Pirasteh secured the Silver Medal.
To continue their winning streak, IVC Forensics kicked off their nationals season over the spring break. On March 21-23 the team competed against 18 other colleges and universities at the 2025 NOF National Championship Tournament. This virtual championship invitational was developed in 2020, however has become a prevalent fixture in the forensics calendar due to the importance of developing strong oral communication skills in a virtual format. IVC Speech proved their skills can translate online, as they were named the top community college at the tournament by being granted the 1st Place Sweepstakes Award! The team was also recognized by earning 10 individual awards. Most notably, Chris Rodas received the Gold Medal in Persuasive Speaking for his speech on spotlighting the crisis of migrant border disappearances, while teammate Sophia Diaz received the Gold Medal in After Dinner Speaking for her speech on the freedom of religion.
To date, IVC Speech has now been awarded 179 individual awards and 13 team sweepstakes awards this season. IVC Speech hopes to continue their successes at the 2025 Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Norfolk, VA on April 5-1. Those interested in joining the team in the fall are encouraged to contact co-directors Jules French or Bill Neesen.