Cultivating Confidence, Communication, and Community

Leland High School’s Speech and Debate team has been a cornerstone of public speaking and critical thinking in the San José area for decades. The team’s mission is clear: to foster a love for communication, challenge students to think critically, and develop the kind of confidence that lasts a lifetime. With over 200 members, a dedicated coaching staff, and a reputation as one of the nation’s top programs, the Leland Speech and Debate team thrives in both competitive excellence and community engagement. 

The National Speech and Debate Association ranks Leland Speech and Debate sixth in the nation and first in California. The team has consistently earned top honors at both the state and national levels. Its success isn’t just about trophies—it's about cultivating an environment that values curiosity, teamwork, and the development of lifelong communication skills. The team’s accolades include multiple State championships, National finalists, and the prestigious School of Excellence Award at the 2016 National Championships.

Under the leadership of head coach Priya Garcia, who brings a wealth of experience from her own time as a competitor and coach, the team continues to flourish. Garcia’s journey with speech and debate began in high school, where she competed in Parliamentary Debate and various interpretation events. She later honed her skills as a coach at a private speech and debate company and other high schools before joining Leland. As an English teacher, Garcia found a natural fit at Leland, where her passion for coaching and commitment to developing students' communication skills could shine.

Garcia explains, “The size of our team, both in students and assistant coaches, plays a huge role in our success. We’re not a private school with specialized resources. Instead, we build a community where every student has access to support and the opportunity to compete.”

One unique aspect of Leland Speech and Debate is its outreach program for Bret Harte Middle School. Every Wednesday, middle school students from Bret Harte head over to Leland to be mentored by high school students. This program offers the younger students a chance to learn the fundamentals of speech and debate from experienced high schoolers, gaining valuable writing, research, and public speaking skills.

Garcia explains, “At Bret Harte, the middle schoolers see the Leland students as mentors. The Leland students not only reinforce their knowledge by teaching, but they also help instill confidence and leadership in the younger students. It’s an amazing way to build a sense of community and continuity between the schools.”

The program benefits the middle school students and helps Leland students develop leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of the material they’re teaching. As Garcia shares, "It’s a symbiotic relationship. Our students feel the responsibility of guiding the younger ones, and the younger students see firsthand what they can achieve if they keep pushing themselves." For the students, the experience of being part of the team goes far beyond the competitions. The skills they gain—communication, critical thinking, and confidence—are transformative. 

Anika Tandon, a student who joined the program because of her brother's experience, shares, "I do speech because I love acting, and it’s always fun to express myself through this program. I’ve seen how it helped my brother become more confident, and I wanted to experience that for myself."

Another team member, Aidan Mansouri says, "The most rewarding part about being on the team is the tournaments. They’re such a great experience, and they are one of the main reasons I’m glad I joined speech and debate."

For Yashika Agarwal, joining speech and debate was about more than just learning to speak in front of others. “Speech and debate opens you up and allows you to express yourself beyond the barriers of stage fright and anxiety. You will discover your true personality through speech and learn extensive knowledge of relevant topics regarding current world conflicts through debate. These skills will help you tremendously in college and beyond.”

Agastya Kondamuri adds, “My advice to anyone thinking of joining is: Throw everything out the window and do it no matter what other people think. 99% of people are nervous, and that’s okay. Just go for it!”

As Leland Speech and Debate continues to grow and thrive, Coach Garcia’s vision for the future is rooted in balance and sustainability. “While we absolutely cover research skills, organization, problem-solving, storytelling, and other techniques, the biggest takeaway for most students is confidence. Confidence in their ability to speak up, lead, and ask for help when needed. I want to make sure our students learn how to balance their ambitions in speech and debate with the other aspects of their lives—academics, sports, and personal well-being.”

Her aspirations for the team go beyond just competition. Garcia emphasizes the importance of playing to one's strengths and maintaining a healthy balance in all aspects of life. “We’ve seen incredible success at the state and national levels, but I’m also focused on ensuring that our students are confident, well-rounded individuals who know how to apply the skills they’ve learned in all areas of their lives.”

The future of Leland Speech and Debate looks bright, as the program continues to inspire students to pursue excellence, lead with confidence, and engage with their community in meaningful ways.

As Garcia sums up her hopes for the team, “I want to carry forward the legacy of success while also nurturing the softer skills of empathy, balance, and confidence. I want every student who walks through our doors to know they can achieve greatness—not just in speech and debate, but in whatever they choose to do.”

With a history of excellence, a commitment to community, and a future full of potential, Leland High School’s Speech and Debate team is poised to continue shaping tomorrow’s leaders, one confident speaker at a time.