Worlds Schools Debate team members Nilufer Mistry Sheasby ’24, Liv Kriger ’25 and Nate Verny ’25 placed fifth in the annual National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa from June 16 to 21.
Kriger said she was thrilled with her team’s performance.
“I am super proud of this achievement,” Kriger said. “My team worked so hard this whole year, and we had to face tough competition from all around the country to get to this spot. My team is super close, and there is nobody else I would rather debate with than [Verny] and [Mistry Sheasby]. The fact that we got to do it one last time at the national tournament was extraordinary.”
Mistry Sheasby, who founded the school’s Worlds Schools Debate team, said this format challenged her in different ways than other types of debate such as Lincoln-Douglas or Policy.
“The reason why I enjoy Worlds Schools is definitely the mental challenge that comes with it,” Mistry Sheasby said. “I like how it forces you to put aside your personal perspective on issues and is more about analyzing how arguments interact with each other. The power of bringing your own language and putting it in a persuasive setting where you’re using things like your vocal intonation and your gestures to convince people is just a fascinating exercise.”
Mistry Sheasby said she has faced unfair treatment as a woman in debate, but has not let that discourage her.
“[It’s important] to understand that [women] face marginalization in this space, and that it’s okay to be frustrated,” Mistry Sheasby said. “I can’t count the amount of times judges have said things to me that made me leave the round after comments and go cry. People should give themselves that crying time, but never let that be the only way they see themselves in a debate space.”
Varsity Lincoln-Douglas debater Esther Goldman ’26 said she understands the struggles that women have to go through in debate.
“I respect [Mistry Sheasby] and [Kriger] for staying determined as women in debate,” Goldman said. “I have also been looked down upon by male debaters because of my gender, and I admire them for their perseverance.”
Goldman said she is proud of the team for their success.
“Qualifying for the Nationals is a major accomplishment,” Goldman said. “I am so proud of the team and how hard-working and dedicated they are.”
