Summer Camp Faculty

Instructional Team

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  Daisy W.

  Program Aid (Tentative)

  See Bio

  Daisy started debating with Potomac Oak in 6th grade and since then she’s made lifelong friendships, learned new skills, and cultivated passion. Daisy enjoys studying the vast argument literature on various topics and being able to think of new creative ideas. She loves to spread discourse about arguments that she believes to be important. Some of Daisy‘s favorite memories of debate include making friends with new debaters across the country and chilling in between rounds at in-person tournaments. She’s super excited to contribute to new memories within the community!

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  Dylan B.

  Instructor

  See Bio

  Coach Dylan brings half a decade of coaching experience to Potomac Debate Academy. Currently pursuing a BS in Computer Science at UNLV, Dylan competed for Coronado High School for several years. As a competitor, Dylan amassed six career bids, reached late elimination rounds at the NSDA National Tournament, and was the Nevada State Champion in PF Debate. Dylan’s students have received dozens of bids and qualified to the TOC and reached late elimination rounds at the TOC and NSDA National Tournament, as well as other major tournaments including Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Berkely. Dylan enjoys coaching at Potomac Debate Academy because students are able to meet a wide variety of different coaches, which lets them get instruction from coaches with varying specialties. Outside of debate, Dylan enjoys reading, Chess, and watching football/basketball.

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  Grace L.

  Instructor (Tentative)

  See Bio

  Coach Grace is a senior at Richard Montgomery High School and a Varsity+ debater at Potomac Debate Academy. She has been involved in debate since 4th grade, and began competing on the national circuit in 7th grade. Since then, she has qualified to the TOC three times, earning a total of 11 career bids and reaching quarter-finals at TOC her junior year. She has also championed several major national tournaments like George Mason, Cal State Fullerton, and Georgetown, and reached elimination rounds at Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and more. She is currently ranked no. 1 in Maryland and no. 3 in the nation. As a coach, Grace specializes in lay appeal, back-half strategy, and delivering speeches off the flow, which she has found to be key to success in every debate round. Beyond coaching, Grace’s interests include reading, dance, and listening to true crime podcasts.

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  Kirsten C.

  Instructor (Tentative)

  See Bio

  Kirsten Craft is an accomplished debate coach with a long history of inspiring young minds in the art of debating  Her journey in the world of debate started during her high school years, when she competed for Soiux Falls Lincoln in policy debate, public forum debate, and various speech events. As a competitor, Kirsten qualified for the National Speech and Debate Association tournament and finaled at many local and circuit tournaments. Her coaching journey began in South Dakota, her home state. Here, she made a significant mark by coaching the first team from the state to the Tournament of Champions in policy debate. Since her initial success, Kirsten has consistently demonstrated her coaching expertise. She has guided countless students to the finals of prestigious tournaments such as Harvard, Georgetown, and the Middle School Tournament of Champions and her effective coaching has enabled numerous teams to qualify for the Tournament of Champions in public forum. Kirsten‘s love for coaching stems from her belief in the transformative power of debate. She is passionate about imparting real-world knowledge to her students and firmly believes in the importance of introducing young minds to critical policy issues. Outside of her coaching duties, Kirsten applies her debate-informed insights into social policy as an Innovation Specialist at the Virginia Department of Social Services where she implements and tests new programs aimed at addressing poverty. Kirsten holds both an MBA and an MPP from the University of Maryland.

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  Matt

  Instructor

  See Bio

  Coach Matt is a successful debate coach and curriculum innovator who has coached multiple national, regional and tournament champions in public forum, cross-examination, Lincoln-Douglas, and parliamentary-style debate. Matt has also coached winning speakers in oratory, communication analysis, and extemporaneous speaking. He has managed political campaigns, assisted in international human rights litigation, and consulted with candidates and advocacy groups on public debating and argument strategy. He has a law degree from the University of Wyoming, where he coached NPDA and NPTE national champions and NDT and CEDA elimination round participants.

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  Nicole M.

  Instructor

  See Bio

  Coach Nicole is an award-winning debate coach, nonprofit leader, and former National Debate Champion with a deep commitment to empowering students through speech and debate. As the first Black woman to win the National Debate Tournament (NDT) in 2017, she understands firsthand how debate fosters critical thinking, advocacy, and leadership skills that extend beyond competition. With over a decade of experience in coaching, program development, and nonprofit leadership, Nicole has worked with students at all levels—from novice debaters to national champions. She previously served as Executive Director of the Women’s Debate Institute, where she expanded access to debate education, and developed initiatives to create more inclusive and equitable debate spaces. Nicole’s impact in the debate world extends globally. She has led international training programs, designed anti-harassment initiatives for debate communities. She is thrilled to join Potomac Debate, bringing her expertise in coaching, mentorship, and strategic program development to the team. Nicole looks forward to working with students, fostering their growth, and continuing to build a culture of excellence and inclusion in debate.

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  Tanuj B.

  Instructor (Tentative)

  See Bio

  Coach Tanuj competed at Leander High School for four years. During his time as a competitor, he was a 2x gold qualifier to the Tournament of Champions in addition to winning major awards such as championing Westwood UIL Invitational and Liberty Hill UIL Academic Invitational. As a coach, he enjoys getting to know each student and understanding the nuances that go into their learning style, allowing him to hone his teaching style to cater to them. Tanuj is currently pursuing a BA in Linguistics and Business Economics from The University of Chicago. Outside of debate, he enjoys cooking, going to the gym, and learning new languages.

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  Thomas D.

  Instructor

  See Bio

  Coach Thomas is currently pursuing a dual degree in Finance and Government & Politics from the University of Maryland, where he competes in parliamentary debate and is the elected debate team president. Prior to competing at UMD, he competed at Wilde Lake High School where he broke records for his high school debate team. His passion for debate encouraged him to continue with the activity even after high school, as he has been actively involved in the debate community as a team leader, coach, and judge. Thomas has won significant debate awards including reaching the NSDA Metro final round and 2024 APDA National Qualifier. As a coach, his philosophy centers on his belief that debate should be exciting, enjoyable, relevant, and rewarding for each of his students. This doesn’t mean winning rounds (though that can certainly be part of it) but developing one’s character and numerous other skills that are improved through debate. Thomas is also actively involved in his community as a peer mentor for UMD Scholars Program, working on the E-Board of Collegiate Debate Club, and more. Outside of debate, he enjoys reading a wide variety of genres, keeping up with current events, and hiking.