How to Be a Great Debate Captain: Lessons From 10 Years of Coaching

In my ten years of coaching Congressional Debate, I’ve been fortunate to experience a lot of success with my programs — especially at James Logan High School and John F. Kennedy High School. And while I’d like to think I played a small role in that success, the truth is simple:

None of it would have been possible without my team captains.

Students like Rohit Jhawar, Sara Faraj, Tyler Luu, Aditya Chordiya, and Divya Kukreja were the backbone of our teams. They filled in the gaps. They brought balance. They made the team better, stronger, and more cohesive.

Every year, students ask me:

“How do I become a good captain?”

Being a captain is not just about being the best competitor.
It’s about being a leader who elevates everyone around them.

Here’s what I’ve learned makes a truly great debate captain.

1. The First Rule: Listen to Your Coach

This is the most important principle.
Nothing works — absolutely nothing — unless the captain and the coach have a strong working relationship.

Every coach is human. Every coach has strengths and weaknesses.
Great captains understand this and ask:

“What do you need from me?”

Maybe your coach is brilliant with strategy but struggles with team logistics.
Maybe your coach is organized but not naturally social.
Maybe your coach is strong technically but needs help building community culture.

Great coaches intentionally choose captains who complement their weaknesses — but great captains lean into that role.

If you don’t listen to your coach, and don’t work in sync with them, you cannot be an effective captain. Period.

2. Bring the Fun — Captains Are Responsible for Team Culture

Captains often underestimate this, but it’s true:

A huge part of your job is making debate fun.

Not everything in speech and debate should be drills, prep, and spreadsheets.
The team needs joy. It needs community. It needs memories.

Captains should:

• organize social events

• plan hangouts

• bring people together

• create inside jokes and traditions

• make practice environments welcoming

• help new members feel included

I’ve had students who still talk about:

• team ice-skating nights

• movie outings

• group dinners

• team parties hosted by a parent

• spontaneous after-tournament trips

These social moments are what your teammates remember most — not the trophies.

Captains who fail to build a fun, inclusive environment fail at one of the most important parts of leadership.

3. Lead as a Student Leader: Hold Teammates Accountable

Great captains aren’t afraid of responsibility.

That means:

• pointing out where the team needs to step up

• encouraging teammates to meet deadlines

• checking in on prep progress

• giving honest, constructive feedback

• creating standards for the team

• enforcing expectations respectfully

This DOES NOT mean being mean.
It does not mean yelling.
It does not mean acting superior.

It means being the person who helps the team rise to its potential — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Debate teams thrive when captains help maintain structure and accountability.

4. Lead by Example — This Is the Most Important Form of Leadership

The greatest captains don’t just say the right things.

They do the right things.

They show up.
They prep.
They practice.
They model good habits.
They work hard.
They set the tone for everyone else.

A captain who cuts corners, misses practices, or slacks on prep loses credibility instantly.

But a captain who:

• completes all their research

• arrives early

• helps novices

• stays late

• organizes materials

• represents the team well

…becomes someone others naturally follow.

Leadership is not about power.
Leadership is about example.

Your teammates will do what you do — not what you tell them to do.

Final Thoughts: A Great Captain Balances People, Culture, and Performance

Being a captain is one of the most meaningful roles in the entire activity.
Your coach needs you.
Your teammates rely on you.
And your impact lasts long after you graduate.

To be a truly great captain:

• listen to your coach

• bring joy and community to the team

• hold teammates accountable

• and lead by example

The captains I’ve worked with over the years helped shape programs that came to define excellence.
And if you embrace these principles, you can do the same for your team.