The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Speech and Debate Team returned from Springfield, Missouri with four national championships at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament, solidifying the program’s reputation as a powerhouse in competitive forensics.

The Miners’ victories highlighted the team’s talent, camaraderie and commitment to representing El Paso on a national stage.

UTEP senior and mechanical enginnering major, Felix Castañon, said the success felt “great” and emphasized that the team’s achievements.

“I mean, it feels great that we’re putting UTEP on the map,” Castañon said.

Arely Avitia, a junior communication major, who competed in the Spanish-speaking events, said UTEP was one of the few universities from the western U.S. to achieve high honors.

“UTEP swept those events with my National Championships and along with Sebastian Perez-Navarro. It was nice that we were able to represent not only UTEP but also El Paso as a community because the borderland is often misrepresented,” Avitia said.

The team’s success stemmed from close-knit teamwork and a culture of mutual support.

“We are all like siblings,” Avitia said. “We hold each other accountable. We always make sure everyone is in a positive mood. We don’t want any negativity because teamwork makes the dream work.”

Castañon said the team’s approach to collaboration allowed them to perform under pressure.

“It all goes down to chemistry,” Castañon said. “We’re like brothers and sisters. We hold each other accountable and make sure everyone is on the same page.” 

Director of UTEP’s forensics and speech and debate program, Carlos Tarin, Ph.D., said the team’s support of one another is what makes this group unique. 

“This group of students are each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” Tarin said. “They all support each other and really want to see each other succeed. Their culture of belonging and mutual encouragement makes a huge difference in how well they perform.” 

Tarin said COVID-19 disrupted the team’s momentum in recent years, making the rebuilding process critical. 

“COVID disrupted a lot of momentum with the team because we had two years of virtual competition,” Tarin said. “We had a few members who were junior seniors already on their way out. So this young group, mostly freshmen and sophomores, required careful cultivation of culture and mentoring.” 

Preparation for the national tournament combined rigorous practice with maintaining enjoyment. 

“You have to enjoy what you’re doing,” Tarin said. “Judges can tell if you’re desperate to win. The ones who do well are those who are having a good time and are tapped into their flow state.” 

Castañon and Avitia described personal growth as a key outcome of their experience. 

“I joined the speech and debate team to learn to speak English without feeling awkward,” Avitia said. “It taught me a lot about language, research, and confidence. I no longer have to translate everything in my head; I can process it naturally.” 

Castañon added, “Speech and debate has improved my public speaking skills, which is critical for my career as a mechanical engineer. It helps me articulate my arguments and presentations more effectively.” 

Beyond personal growth, the team sees their success as a way to challenge negative perceptions about the El Paso-Juarez region. 

“We’re a Hispanic institution,” Avitia said. “What we do counts toward bettering our image. People often misjudge us, but we get to tell our stories through our presentations.” 

Tarin said the team’s performance demonstrates the university’s talent and commitment to excellence. 

“The success shows the potential of our students,” Tarin said. “It shows they are tough, scrappy, and talented. It reflects the well of intellect, creativity, and passion we have here in El Paso.” 

Looking ahead, Castañon and Avitia emphasized that the team’s focus extends beyond trophies. 

“The plaques are nice, but the stories we tell are what matter,” Castañon said. “We just hit the ground running and give 100 percent at every tournament.” 

Avitia said she hopes to continue supporting the team as a teaching assistant next semester, pursuing a master’s degree in communication while mentoring younger students. 

“It’s my fourth year, my last year as a senior, but I still want to help,” Avitia said. “This team has been the most fun and welcoming team I’ve ever been part of. It builds community and a sense of belonging.” 

Tarin said the team’s determination distinguishes them from others. 

“I’d describe this team in one word: determined,” Tarin said. “They have a clear focus on what they hope to accomplish, and they put in the work to achieve it despite competing demands from academics, jobs, and family responsibilities.” 

The Miners’ victories in Missouri highlight not only UTEP’s competitive strength but also the resilience, ambition, and commitment of its students, who continue to raise the profile of the university and the borderland community nationally.