Tuesday, 3 November 2026, 0:18
The Pepperdine Waves Debate Team recently returned from a successful national competition at the University of San Francisco, securing multiple top-tier placements among first-year debaters. Held under the banner of the St. Dialogues, the event challenged students to explore pressing contemporary issues while fostering collaborative discourse.
Four members of Pepperdine’s Seaver College debate team earned notable finishes at the recent competition. In the overall standings, sophomore Lainey Power secured sixth place, while Kyanna Hainline took tenth. Within the novice division, Romina Phillips claimed first place, and Nikki Quartuccio earned third. These results mark a significant achievement, as each competitor was participating in their first year representing the university.
Participants tackled highly relevant subjects reflecting Generation Z perspectives. Early rounds examined generational slang and modern dating approaches, culminating in a final round focused on cultivating hope and human dignity amidst rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Unlike traditional debate tournaments, the St. Dialogues encouraged an unconventional format. Competitors were permitted to agree with partners, concede points, and integrate opposing arguments into their own presentations. This structure prioritized intellectual humility alongside argumentative rigor.
Abi Smith, director of debate and associate instructor, highlighted the program's emphasis on collaborative learning and active listening. Students echoed these sentiments, noting the value of engaging with diverse viewpoints. Quartuccio, who plans to pursue law, credited the tournament's critical thinking exercises as valuable preparation for legal careers. Additionally, the department has already sent a new team to compete at Rutgers University on food justice topics, continuing its focus on community-driven dialogue.
The University of San Francisco served as the host venue for the national tournament, highlighting the state's robust higher education network and commitment to academic excellence. Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, continues to strengthen its reputation through competitive co-curricular programs within Seaver College.
Debate programs at major universities serve as vital training grounds for developing public speaking, critical analysis, and persuasive communication skills. Historically, collegiate debate fosters civic engagement and prepares students for leadership roles in law, politics, and advocacy.
The standout performance by Pepperdine’s first-year debaters underscores the strength of its communication curriculum. By blending competitive rigor with collaborative problem-solving, the team continues to equip students with essential skills for future academic and professional endeavors.
