Ball State University Speech Team Wins National Championship

Topics: Academic Programs, Awards, College of Communication Information and Media, Faculty, Students, Student Activities

April 1, 2026

Ball State University's Speech Team has won the 2026 National Speech Championship, earning both the tournament's 1st Place Team Award and Top Non-Scholarship Team Award.

The title is Ball State's second team championship at the National Speech Championship, following its previous win in 2019. Spencer Coile, coach of the Speech Team and director of The Speaking Center at Ball State, was also named the tournament's Coach of the Year.

The national title is the latest achievement in another outstanding season for Ball State's Speech Team. In February, the program extended its state record with a 16th consecutive Indiana Forensic Association State Championship. Ball State scored 569 points to win the team sweepstakes, and Ball State students also earned the Lee Horn and Scholarship in Communication awards.

Hosted March 21-22 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., the National Speech Championship is one of four national tournaments available to collegiate speech programs. The tournament limits each university to two entries per event, creating a level competitive field regardless of program size.

"This national championship is a tremendous achievement for our students, coaches, and Department of Communication Studies," said Dr. Kristen McCauliff, dean of Ball State's College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM). "This team's continued success reflects the talent, discipline, and commitment of our students, as well as the dedication of the faculty and coaches who support them. It is also another example of how Ball State and CCIM help students build the foundation for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives."

Ball State's national championship performance included two individual national champions: Jordan Denagall won Informative Speaking, and Mo Armor won Persuasive Speaking. Hayden Adams placed second in both Communication Analysis and Informative Speaking, while Mo Armor also finished second in Impromptu Speaking. Charlotte Jons placed third in Poetry Performance, and Marie Scudder placed third in both After Dinner Speaking and Program Performance. Ball State also earned additional points through semifinal and quarterfinal finishes across multiple events.

"I'm incredibly proud of our students for the work they put in throughout this season and for the way they represented Ball State on the national stage," Mr. Coile said. "This championship reflects our students' talent, preparation, and belief in one another. I'm also deeply grateful for our coaching staff-Jo Randall, Zoe Pointer, Gavin Millard, and Alex Rapp-and for the support we receive from our department and college. This was truly a team effort in every sense."

Ball State's Speech and Debate programs have long been among the University's most successful intercollegiate teams. Through competition, students strengthen their research, critical-thinking, and public speaking skills while learning to perform with confidence under pressure.

For more information about Ball State's Speech Team or Department of Communication Studies, call 765-285-1882 or email [email protected].