ABERDEEN, S.D. – During Spring Break 2025, members of the Northern State University Speech and Debate team traveled to Athens, Ohio, to take part in the Pi Kappa Delta National Speech and Debate Tournament, hosted by Ohio University.

Representing NSU were students Abiah George, Hannah Smith, Haylee Bohnet, Kaitlyn Maas, Liv Ashley, and coach Gus Foote. The team had one of its strongest showings in recent memory, placing 5th in debate, 10th in speech, and 8th overall in the Small School Division—marking the program’s highest combined finish in years.

Several students had standout performances. Abiah George reached the quarterfinals in Junior Varsity IPDA debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Editorial Impromptu. She was also named the top overall speaker in JV IPDA.

Other team members were close behind. Haylee Bohnet was one spot away from advancing in Poetry, and Hannah Smith and Liv Ashley just missed a spot in the Novice NPDA Championship round after a narrow tiebreaker.

Every team member contributed to NSU’s overall success, earning valuable points toward the final team standings. The group returned to campus proud of their accomplishments and excited to build on the momentum.

“This was easily one of my favorite PKD Nationals experiences,” said Coach Gus Foote. “When our final competitor was eliminated earlier than we hoped on Sunday the team was a bit dejected. I tried to refocus their attention on what we had accomplished to that point and how they all came together to support each other. Then when the team awards started hitting you could see just how impactful their performances were. Everyone was so proud of what we had accomplished. Then to see how close we were to even more awards really lit a fire in them, and we already started game planning next year's events. The work they did was admirable and that it was an all-female team was incredibly rewarding. This group will definitely be one whose impact stays with me for a long time!”