Samford University debaters Maggi Kimbrell, a junior political science major, and Elise Eichholtz, a junior philosophy major, opened the 2026-27 debate season with an undefeated run, winning the novice division at the George Mason University season opener.
Competing virtually against nearly 30 teams from universities across the country, Kimbrell and Eichholtz went undefeated throughout the tournament before claiming the division championship. The pair also earned individual recognition for their performances, with Eichholtz named the tournament’s second-place novice speaker and Kimbrell finishing third.
The achievement was particularly notable given the pair’s limited collegiate debate experience. The tournament marked Eichholtz’s first competition as a Samford debater and just the second tournament of Kimbrell’s career.
“This was a tremendous way to start the season,” said Derek Hilligoss, director of debate. “I was also incredibly proud of the way our entire squad showed up for them. We believe that as long as one Samford team is still competing, we all are, and our students really embodied that this weekend.”
The victory also reflected the collaborative culture of Samford’s debate program. As Kimbrell and Eichholtz advanced through elimination rounds, their teammates remained engaged after completing their own competition commitments, helping the pair prepare for subsequent debates and supporting them throughout their championship run.
The George Mason University tournament served as Samford Debate’s first competition of the new season. The team will return to competition next week at the University of Kentucky.
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