About Me
Hey there! I’m a high school student who loves diving headfirst into big ideas, research, problem solving, and community impact. Academically, I’m always looking for a challenge, especially in courses like mathematics, statistics, economics, literature and public policy that force me to think critically about how the world works.
Public Speaking & Youth Leadership Journey
My public speaking journey began in 2020. What started as a fun middle school activity quickly evolved into a six-year passion for competitive debate. Over the years, I’ve competed across novice and varsity circuits, earning several individual speaker and team honors at both the state and national levels, including advancing to the final rounds at the prestigious UK Tournament of Champions (TOC), NSDA national circuit and UIL state championship.
Founder & Chairman | DebateXcel Academy
I believe every single student deserves the chance to speak up and make their voice heard—regardless of their socioeconomic background. That’s why in March 2025, I founded DebateXcel Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to making speech, debate, and public speaking accessible to all youth. As Founder and Chairman, I manage everything from financial budgeting and marketing strategy to curriculum design and hosting friendly tournaments.
Life as a Student-Athlete
When I’m not prepping cases or running workshops, you’ll probably find me on the sports field or court! I stay very active in swimming, track & field, and volleyball, with a long-term goal of competing as a collegiate volleyball student-athlete. Juggling a packed academic schedule, leading an NGO, and training for volleyball has taught me invaluable lessons in time management, prioritization, delegation, and teamwork that I use every day.
Books, Travel & Big Dreams
In my free time, I love keeping things low-key with a good non-fiction book in hand. Reading keeps me curious about history, leadership, and human behavior. I’m also super grateful for the chance to travel with my parents whenever we get a break. So far, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore 16 U.S. states and 11 countries across three continents, and my bucket list is only getting longer!
Whether I'm analyzing economic policy, setting up a volleyball play, or mentoring a young speaker, I'm always looking for ways to grow, connect, and leave a positive mark.
Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect about DebateXcel Academy, speech & debate coaching, or youth leadership.


Our Mission
DebateXcel Academy is dedicated to empowering young students—particularly those from underprivileged, low-income, and rural communities—by providing them with the tools to develop confidence in public speaking, foster critical thinking, and enhance their ability to communicate effectively. We are committed to breaking down geographic and financial barriers to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to these transformative opportunities. Through speech and debate, we aim to inspire leadership, promote collaboration, and give a platform to women and non-binary individuals, empowering them to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond. We strive to create a supportive environment where students can express their ideas freely, build their self-esteem, and acquire valuable skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
DebateXcel transformed my confidence in public speaking and critical thinking. Truly empowering for all students!
Alex Smith


★★★★★
Youth Empowerment
Transforming lives through speech and debate education.
Leadership
Community
info@debatexcel.org
847-961-8572
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