When Andrea Carlile started coaching the Jackrabbit Forensics team, she coached one student. Since then, the team has grown exponentially in the last seven years.

This year, the team brought 10 students to the American Forensics Association Individual Events Tournament (AFA-NIET).

Competing in events such as oral interpretation, public address and limited preparation, the team broke the SDSU record when its 10 students competed in a total of 22 events.

“That could potentially determine our placement as a team and help put us at the top 20 in the nation,” said Ben Hummel, a senior political science major, about the increase in events. 

The team fell just short of Hummel’s expectations, placing 23rd overall. This is the best the SDSU Forensics team has done at AFA-NIET in years.

Senior communication studies and political science major Lauren Buisker competed in six different events at the tournament — where she was named an All-American along with 12 other students in the country. She advanced to the quarterfinals, the first Jackrabbit to do so in 15 years. 

“The qualifications to get there are fairly rigorous, so the tournament is a chance for us to all be proud of the season we are leaving behind,” Buisker said. “There’s lots of hugging, laughing, crying and reflecting on season memories.”

Nationals are a time for college students from all over the world to practice their speaking skills while interacting with and learning from others.

“The best part about speech is the ability to share our stories and learn from others,” freshman mechanical engineering major Joy Dahle said. “Hearing stories from all over the U.S. from every background really opens up your views on the world.”

Carlile said she was happy with how her team did, and is looking forward to upcoming seasons. 

 “We left nationals with a lot of energy and excitement for what’s to come,” She said. “I’m really excited for our future and really proud of the season we had.”