How Belmont Became a Powerhouse for Speech and Debate

Establishing a culture that fuels Belmont Speech and Debate’s continued success 

Across the country, Speech and Debate programs at many universities operate like top athletics programs — fueled by recruitment pipelines, with upward of 40 scholarships to deploy and deep institutional resources. Students are scouted and financially incentivized to compete, stacking the deck in favor of schools with the means to invest in their teams. 

In what amounts to somewhat of an underdog story, Belmont Speech and Debate has held the State Champions title for seven consecutive years and won four national tournaments since 2023. 

Year after year, it wins. And wins big. 

Its success is not the result of financial incentives or even talent alone, it is something harder to manufacture — culture. A culture where excellence and winning are not just expected, but seemingly inevitable.

The Architect of Excellence

Ryan Greenawalt, instructor of communications studies and director of Belmont Speech and Debate, has been the driving force behind the team’s success. 

Having competed himself while attending Belmont, he became an assistant coach after graduating in 2005 and was named director in 2019. Greenawalt knows this team inside and out and has worked to create a culture where students do not just learn to win, they learn to lead. 

“I can’t care about this more than the students do,” he said when reflecting on his development as a coach over the years, not out of indifference, but empowerment. 

By placing ownership in the hands of his students, Greenawalt has built an environment where they are the force behind their own success. They rally one another, put in the work to improve and upperclassmen mentor underclassmen, keeping the same spirit and hunger alive from one group to the next. 

Greenawalt’s methods have proved successful, yielding annual championships over schools with more resources and experience. 

In 2025, he was formally recognized with the Graham Kash TIFA Coach of the Year Award for his leadership and contributions to the field.

The Rebuilding Year That Wasn’t

2024-25 was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the team. After graduating a sizeable senior class, Belmont entered the campaign with an unusually young roster.

“I would never tell the whole team, but I remember meeting with the other coaches and a few team leaders towards the end of the first semester and saying, ‘Y’all, I don’t think we’re winning state this year. I just don’t think we’re quite there yet,’” said Greenawalt.

Sophomore Greiner Gumerson and junior Lydia Alvarnaz were not convinced. 

Their coach laid out a gameplan, and Gumerson and Alvarnaz galvanized their peers. They spent countless hours in the Heron Hall basement, often late into the night on their own accord, preparing for the State tournament. 

“They made sure they won,” reflected Greenawalt. “And the team coalesced so much. I don’t think we’ve ever had a team that close. They fight like siblings but love each other so much. They’re always hanging out. They want to have fun while still wanting to win.” 

That culture — driven by students but nurtured by Greenawalt — fueled its sixth state championship in seven years (the tournament was not held in 2021 due to COVID-19), a feat achieved by an inexperienced team with a winning mentality passed down from those before them. 

More Than Trophies 

Beyond the hardware, the Speech and Debate Team is a home for diverse voices. Over half its members are students of color, LGBTQ+ individuals or first-generation college students amplifying their communities and viewpoints through competitive speaking. 

Before taking the stage, students pour hours into researching topics they are passionate about. They learn to back up arguments with facts, persuade under pressure and discern who they are and what they believe. 

"This activity gives students such a sense of identity," Greenawalt explained. "From your freshman year, you are grappling with really difficult questions about society, yourself, how we interact with others and what the world is like. It forces you to burst that bubble that you grew up in very quickly." 

Alumna Emma Johansson (’22) — one of eight to 10 alumni assistant coaches who help mentor students each year — spoke to Greenawalt’s ability to create not just great speakers but great people. 

“I’ve been lucky to be one of many whose life has been greatly influenced by Ryan’s leadership and care — as a coach, friend and now colleague,” she said. “He advocates for each member as they learn to advocate for their causes, providing a safe and encouraging environment where they can do their best work and use their voice confidently. We are so grateful for the many hours he dedicates to this team.” 

The Skills to be a Well-Rounded Human

“I know I’m biased, but I think we graduate the most well-rounded students at Belmont," said Greenawalt. "They leave with a firm knowledge of who they are, they’re not afraid to ask questions and they develop numerous soft skills like being able to ride in a 12-person passenger bus for eight hours.” 

The skills Belmont Speech and Debate alumni acquire serve them in careers in law, education, public service and more. 

Fluencies in critical thinking, ethical leadership, research, analysis, public speaking and handling pressure prime students for life after graduation. 

What the Future Holds

The future of Speech and Debate at Belmont beams as bright as its past. The foundation is set — a tight-knit team of champions is returning with a coach who knows how to get the most out of his young core. 

Although the trophy cabinet is rapidly reaching capacity, it’s about more. 

“My biggest hope and prayer is that as they graduate, they know who they are, they’re not afraid to ask questions, they know how to back things up with research and are able to persuade people ethically,” said Greenawalt. 

Champions are not just made through talent, but through culture. These teammates have become family, and it has paid off with seven years atop the Tennessee Speech and Debate circuit and a handful of national championship titles to boot. 

State Championship Finishes (Since 2019)

• 2025 — Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensic Association: State Champions

• 2024 — Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensic Association: State Champions

• 2023 — Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensic Association: State Champions

• 2022 — Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensic Association: State Champions

• 2021 — Tournament not held due to COVID-19

• 2020 — Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensic Association: State Champions

• 2019 — Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensic Association: State Champions

National Tournament Finishes (Since 2023)

• 2025 — Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament: Fourth
• 2025 — National Speech Championship: Fifth
• 2025 — Asynchronous Speech Championship: Seventh
• 2024 — National Christian College Forensics Invitational: National Champion
• 2024 — American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament: National Champions (Small School Division
• 2024 — National Speech Championship: Fourt
• 2024 — Asynchronous Speech Championship: Seventh
• 2023 — Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament: National Champions (Small School Division
• 2023 — Asynchronous Speech Championship: National Champions (Small School Divison)