Valdosta State University’s Cassandra Ayers earned a $3,000 scholarship and individual debate championship honors during the University System of Georgia’s third annual Regents Cup Debate Series competition.

 

“As I was sitting in front of the Board of Regents, my team in one corner, my opponent in another, all I could think to myself was, I’m not going to win,” said Ayers, a communications major originally from Formia, Italy, who now resides in Nashville, Georgia. “This was my first in-person tournament, I had somehow made it to second place, and the acting president of VSU was watching. That morning, as I talked to my mother, she looked at me and practically screamed, ‘Cassandra you’re going to win!’ It was all set up perfectly, like the universe was practically rubbing it in my face. But even though I knew it couldn’t be, all I hoped for in that moment was that I would get a chance to call my mom and prove to her that her faith in me was justified.

 

“Then they announced the runner-up, and it wasn’t my name. I was at once swarmed by regents, coaches, fellow debaters, and my own team. Everyone wanted a picture, a hug, a handshake. I took my congratulations, gave my thanks, and ran for the door. Without a moment to waste, I hid myself behind a banner, tossed my papers and myself onto the floor, and called my mom. ‘Amore, what’s wrong?’ she asked upon seeing my puffy tear-streaked face. I turned the camera towards the trophy, ‘Mamma, I won. I won for you!’ We spent the next five minutes sobbing on that floor.”

 

While Ayers admits that she has “been debating with my parents my whole life,” she did not have an opportunity to explore debate academically until she arrived at VSU and met Dr. Michael Eaves, director of debate. She has long been interested in rhetoric. She says debate feels natural to her, like drinking water feels natural to someone who is thirsty.

 

“It requires a lot of practice, writing, reading, listening, and taking notes, but it refreshes you like nothing else,” she said. “It feels like my whole body is made up of it. I can’t separate myself from the sport. I don’t think about why I love debate because I don’t have to. I just feel it.”

 

During the 2026 USG Regents Cup Debate Series competition, which was held at Columbus State University, Ayers competed against top debaters from 15 other schools — University of West Georgia, Middle Georgia State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, Augusta University, Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Gordon State College, Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia, and University of North Georgia. 

 

The all-day event was designed to highlight how USG students can communicate and articulate from different perspectives in persuasive, respectful ways.

 

The students competed in three rounds of debate, followed by semifinal and final rounds, using the International Public Debate Association structure. They were presented with topics before each round and given 30 minutes to prepare initial arguments, a format that encourages debaters to think on their feet and develop strong refutation skills. Debate topics included artificial intelligence’s effect on higher education and expanding the United States House of Representatives to reflecting the nation’s population growth. The final round reflected on whether the USG should enact 90-credit bachelor’s degree programs.

 

“At a time when strong, respectful dialogue can feel hard to find, our campuses are showing what it looks like in action,” said Sonny Perdue, USG chancellor. “The Board of Regents is committed to protecting the right to speak, listen, and debate without fear. This series is one way we’re living up to that promise, and I’m proud of this year’s winners.”

 

Eaves said VSU was allowed to send two debaters to the Regents Cup Debate Series competition. Ava Peoples, a music major and communications minor, finished second in the Novice Division.

 

“Cassandra’s performance was superb,” he shared. “After losing her first debate, she won seven straight debates, including the final championship round in front of the entire Board of Regents. She beat the University of West Georgia on a 3-2 decision. VSU also secured victories over Georgia Tech and University of Georgia.”

 

The Debate Team at VSU is open to all majors and does not require previous experience. The team competes in regional and national level competitions and participates in parliamentary debate as well as individual events, including impromptu speaking, extemporaneous speaking, informative speaking, persuasion, dramatic interpretation, dramatic duo, poetry interpretation, and more.