Current Team

Arielle Gearring is a senior from Chicago, Illinois and will be entering her 7th year of debate this year. In high school, Arielle started her debate career in the Chicago Debate League. Arielle is Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy major in James Madison and has a minor in the French language.

Blaine Montford is from Missouri and debated at Kickapoo Highschool before attending and debating at Michigan State. Blaine’s high school career saw two Tournament of Champions appearances, and 9 career bids. At MSU, Blaine is a Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy major in James Madison with a minor in Philosophy and Cognitive Science. Blaine enjoys reading, rock climbing, and theory.

Eleazar is a second‑year Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Computer Science. He discovered policy debate at Achimota School and later dabbled in British Parliamentary rounds, fueling a love for kritiks and big‑picture philosophical clash. Now in his first season with MSU Debate, he’s most at home interrogating grand narratives—from Fanon to Latour—while keeping the flow sharp. Beyond tournaments, Eleazar prototypes energy‑efficient robotics and mentors peers as a Resident Assistant. He hopes to fuse argumentation and engineering to craft equitable tech solutions across the Global South.

Glen Scully is a senior studying computer science at Michigan State. He’s from Bakersfield, California and debated four years at Stockdale High School. As a freshman, Glen was named JV Debater of the Year at the American Debate Association National Championship.

Henry is an incoming freshman from Overland Park, Kansas, where he attended Shawnee Mission South High School. While at SMS, Henry debated all four years, reaching the late elimination rounds at national tournaments. He plans to double major in Physics and Philosophy at MSU, and is also a member of the Honors College. He loves to read and learn new things. After MSU, Henry plans to attend medical school or pursue an advanced degree in physics.

Hina is an incoming Junior from Skokie, IL, where she attended Niles West High School. While at Niles West, Hina debated on the national circuit four years. Hina is currently pursuing a major in International Relations with double minors in South Asian Culture and Language, and Muslim Studies. Hina loves learning about politics and law. She plans to attend law school after completing her undergraduate studies.

Isabella is a freshman from Olathe, KS studying philosophy and film. They debated for 4 years in high school, qualifying to the Tournament of Champions their junior year. They are also a part of MSU’s Honors College. Outside of debate they enjoy photography, reading, and watching movies.

Joanna is a senior pursuing dual degrees in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy in James Madison College and Statistics in the College of Natural Science with a minor in Computer Science. She is also a part of the Honors College. She is from Northbrook, Illinois where she attended and debated for Glenbrook North High School, including winning the Illinois State Championship in 2022. Joanna earned a First Round At-Large bid to the 78th and 79th National Debate Tournament and has regularly reached elimination rounds at tournaments.

Peyton is a freshman majoring in Astrophysics at Michigan State. He is enrolled in the Honors College and previously debated for Grapevine Highschool for 4 years.

Stephen is a junior at MSU majoring in Social Relations and Policy in the James Madison College. Stephen is a 2-time NDT qualifier and received a first-round at large bid in the 2024-25 season. Stephen has received multiple speaker awards at major tournaments and placed 3rd at the Kentucky Round Robin last fall.

Will is a Freshman from Skokie, IL, where he attended Niles North high school and debated on the national circuit for three years. Will is currently pursuing a major in Social Relations and Policy at James Madison College. Will loves playing tennis and learning about politics and philosophy. Will plans on attending law school after completing his undergraduate studies.

Zaria is from Atlanta, Georgia and a junior. She is majoring in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy with minors in Public Relations and African American and African Studies. Zaria is a recent initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and was in the Doubles of the University of Texas Tournament in 2025.