The NDCA National Championships

The National Debate Coaches Association has held a National Championship Tournament each Spring since 2006. Driven by the desire to host a season-ending championship tournament run by high school coaches, "NDCA" has grown into a premiere national championship that attracts the best teams from throughout the United States. 

Woodward was instrumental to the founding of the tournament and has consistently qualified teams into the elimination rounds. Since 2006, fifteen Woodward teams have reached the elimination rounds including semifinalists in 2006, 2007, and 2021 and the championship team in 2012. 

Woodward did not attend the NDCA National Championships in 2014, 2017 (weather/travel issues), or 2020 (tournament cancelled due to COVID-19). 

Double-Octafinalists

Alex Duner & Karthik Srinivasan, 2013

Alanna Pearson & Arjun Srinivasan, 2018

Akbar Chranya & Jack Hightower, 2021

Octafinalists

Evan Matthews & Brittany Nehman, 2008

Matthew Pesce & Max Plithides, 2008

Brittany Nehman & Matthew Pesce, 2009

Mona Mahadevan & Malachi Robinson, 2018

Thad Cross & John Masterson, 2024

Quarterfinalists

Matthew Pesce & Max Plithides, 2010

Ashna Ghanate & Jack Hightower, 2022

Aaly Nanji & Lasya Paladugu, 2024

Semifinalists

Aliya Bhatia & Lina Skandalakis, 2006

Evan Matthews & Bobby Rosenbleeth, 2007

Ashna Ghanate & Sachi Reddy, 2021

Champions

Rahim Shakoor & Jason Sigalos, 2012

Top Speaker Awards

Jason Sigalos — Top Speaker, 2012

Evan Matthews — 2nd Speaker, 2008

Aliya Bhatia — 4th Speaker, 2006

Matthew Pesce — 4th Speaker, 2010

Rahim Shakoor — 6th Speaker, 2012

Bobby Rosenbleeth — 9th Speaker, 2007

Matthew Pesce — 9th Speaker, 2009

Evan Matthews — 10th Speaker, 2007

Arjun Srinivasan — 10th Speaker, 2018

Matthew Pesce — 16th Speaker, 2008

Alanna Pearson — 16th Speaker, 2018

John Masterson — 16th Speaker, 2024

Lasya Paladugu — 17th Speaker, 2024

Mona Mahadevan — 19th Speaker, 2018

Brittany Nehman — 20th Speaker, 2007