2024 Bennett Strange Coach of the Year Nominees

Below are the Coaches that have been nominated for the award for the 2024/2025 season:
 
Jordan Compton (University of Central Missouri)- Nominated by Sydney Crank (University of Central Missouri)
I am honored to nominate Jordan Compton for Speech and Debate Coach of the Year. As the director of forensics at the University of Central Missouri, Jordan has significantly impacted our program, notably by reviving the IPDA debate format for our team and helping to encourage others in our state to establish and run IPDA tournaments. His commitment to creating a space where students feel heard and supported, both academically and personally, is unparalleled. Beyond his coaching, Jordan is a one-of-a-kind human and a phenomenal leader. Jordan always strives to create an environment that is diverse and inclusive using every opportunity to challenge our competitors to reach their fullest potential in and outside of rounds. We have some tough individuals to coach, but Jordan is always patient and willing to give as much attention as needed to each competitor. His flexibility in coaching is a huge asset to our students. 

Jordan’s ability to balance the seriousness of competition with humor, often through his legendary dad jokes, helps maintain a positive atmosphere even under pressure. Under his leadership, the University of Central Missouri has earned numerous top awards, and his deep knowledge of forensics and debate, combined with his calm (dad-like) demeanor, make him an exceptional coach and mentor. Jordan embodies the spirit of a Ted Lasso, even though he’d say he is more like another character, Jordan is always reminding his students to believe -- in themselves, in their advocacy, and in this team. Jordan’s passion, dedication, and genuine care for his students make him an outstanding candidate for this recognition and one of the best dang coaches UCM has ever seen.

Greyson Goebel (Dallas Baptist University)- Nominated by Sheila Ritchie (Abilene Christian University)
Many young debaters join this activity to "consume". They consume wisdom, training, and the experience of others and they grow from it. They also consume the legacy left behind by decades of coaches who set up programs long ago. This foundation feeds their success in ways the debater is not even aware of. 
 
Others start with a blank slate and build the legacy themselves. This is what I have witnessed from Greyson Goebel over the past several years. Greyson started as the coach of DBU's student-led team and led that team to national success, even as an undergraduate. Along the way, he not only trained his team but hosted a yearly tournament, excelled as a Varsity debater, served as the student representative on the IPDA Governing Board. Once he graduated, he took on the role of coach full time and has continued to recruit and train excellent debaters. 
 
Outside his team, Greyson has participated in collegial activities with other coaches at the coaches retreat and worked to improve IPDA. His willingness to learn and seek wisdom from others had propelled him into a place deserving of honor. Greyson has worked tirelessly for his team, his debate program, and for the whole of IPDA and for this reason, I am thrilled to nominate him for the 2024-25 Bennett Strange Coach of the Year Award. 


Hannah Morris (University of Arkansas) - Nominated by Megan Smith (Louisiana Tech University)
I am honored to nominate Hannah Morris for Coach of the Year. Her dedication to coaching and IPDA this year is evident. Whether it is continuing to build her University of Arkansas debate program with limited institutional support or hosting/tabbing multiple tournaments, Hannah uses her voice to advocate for forensics and IPDA. She is one of the hardest-working coaches I have ever known, and her dedication is exhibited in the success of her students. I am so proud of her accomplishments and believe her commitment deserves recognition.