Palomar Forensics, Speech and Debate Team

Why Is It Called “Forensics” If No One’s Dead?
It’s a fair question! The word forensics actually comes from the Latin forensis, meaning “in the forum,” where citizens in ancient Rome would gather to debate and present arguments. Over time, the term came to be associated with presenting evidence and making a case—skills at the heart of speech and debate. While popular culture has tied “forensics” to crime scenes and autopsies, in the world of education, it’s all about the art of persuasion, performance, and public speaking—not solving murders. So yes, in college forensics, we’re all very much alive—and talking. A lot.

Why Join?
Forensics is your gateway to mastering the art of communication, sharpening your critical thinking, and finding your voice in a world that needs it. Whether you’re debating complex issues or delivering powerful speeches, you’ll grow as a thinker and leader. As part of a competitive team, you’ll travel to tournaments across the country, build lifelong friendships, and gain confidence that sets you apart in any career path. Join forensics and discover a community where ideas thrive, voices are heard, and every word matters.

2025 team at state tournament — 2025 team at the State Tournament

Our Origins

A Legacy of Excellence: The Palomar Speech and Debate Team
Founded in 1946—the same year as Palomar College—the Speech and Debate Team has a rich legacy of competitive success and student empowerment. The team has had national prominence with Phi Rho Pi National Championships in 1970, 1976, 1978, and 1988. Forensics has had many devoted directors and coaches over the years including Ray Dahlin, Marc Newman, Pat Mills, Jordan Mills, and the current chair of the speech depart Chris Lowry. In 2000 Professor Dewi Hokett became Director. For the past 22 years, Professor Hokett has led the team. Under her direction, the team has earned first place in debate at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament 15 times and brought home thousands of individual trophies and sweepstakes awards.

The team competes across local, state, and national stages. Palomar has also made its mark internationally, traveling to China in 2007, 2010, and 2013 to compete at Beijing Foreign Studies University and Xi’an Xioting University, and hosting Chinese debate teams five times in return. In 2024, the team traveled to Ireland, where Cipriana Rodriguez placed 4th in the world in persuasion and 6th in prose interpretation.

The team’s success extends beyond the podium. Students regularly transfer with full scholarships to top university speech programs nationwide. Notable alumni include Professor Ashley Nuckles-Cuevas, 2005 national debate champion and former Director of Forensics at San Diego State University, and comedian Taylor Tomlinson, who went undefeated in Speech to Entertain in 2011. Now a nationally recognized star, Tomlinson has three Netflix specials and is the host of the CBS late-night show After Midnight

2025 speech team at nationals — 2025 forensics team at the national tournament

Our Current Success

The Palomar Forensic Speech and Debate Team has found success on local, state, national, and international levels! We take pride in ensuring that our members and competitors are well-equipped to take on any task they run into!

This year the team brought home over 50 trophies from local tournaments. There were 7 national breaks including Kat Caldwell who took gold as the top impromptu speaker in the nation.

Coach Jordan Kay took Best Director for his Reader’s Theater The Ladder

Upcoming Events

Fall 2025 Tournament Schedule: TBD

Fall 2025 Showcase Date: TBD