About Us
Four NITOC Team Policy finalists set aside their competitive days and teamed up to inspire and support debaters to achieve greatness in a world filled with mediocrity.
Today, founding coaches Mark Roose and Joshua Spivey continue to lead Nile Debate's explosive growth, bringing advanced coaching techniques refined through years of experience to sharpen Stoa's competitive edge by engaging with the community, sharing groundbreaking debate strategies, releasing the most powerful briefs, and training the next generation of charismatic communicators.
"If they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.” But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” Exodus 4:9-12 (ESV)
Coaching Methodology
Nile Debate hires and works with only the most honest, hardworking, and skilled coaches. We are proud to offer a wide range of skillsets, experiences, strategies, and view-points. Instead of demanding that there is only one path to success, we acknowledge that a wide array of content and theory is necessary to become the best, and our coaches reflect that into our products. Nevertheless, we see immense value in mastering the basic skills necessary to understand debate. As advanced skilled coaches, we become more effective every year, constantly refining our methods to maximize your growth and competitive edge.
Our Core Values
God, Gold, and Glory
We pursue Christ in everything we do, we seek the gold in our pursuit of excellence, and we give all glory to God, who gives us every good gift. This means we work with integrity, compete fiercely, and recognize that our talents and victories come from the Lord. We're not just training debaters, we're developing Christian champions who can excel in competition while honoring God through their character and achievements.
Real World Application
Every debate principle, tactic, and strategy we teach has direct real-world applications. The skills that make you dominant in rounds—clear communication, strategic thinking, research proficiency, and performing under pressure—are the same skills that drive professional success. Our head coaches have leveraged their debate expertise to excel in high-level professional settings, and we're committed to ensuring our students understand these connections. Debate isn't just about winning tournaments; it's about developing the communication and analytical abilities that will serve you throughout your career.
Innovative Debate
We constantly develop new strategies, approaches, and coaching methods that push the boundaries of what's possible in debate education. Innovation keeps us ahead of the curve and ensures our students gain competitive advantages that others simply don't have access to.
Community Centered
Nile Debate does not believe in a lone wolf mentality. We strive to connect debaters, coaches, alumni, and the whole community to Christ as we build Christian networks with common roots and a vision for the future. Debate becomes a vehicle for lasting relationships centered on faith and shared purpose.
Nile Head Coaches
Head Coach and Co-Founder
Joshua Spivey
Josh competed in the NITOC Team Policy Finals 2 of his 3 years of debating. He helps students accelerate their growth to make the most of their time in speech and debate. Josh specializes in persuasive presentation, 1A/1N strategies, and winning highly competitive rounds.
Head Coach and Co-Founder
Mark Roose
Mark competed in Stoa for five years, finishing his last season with the most tournament wins and achieving the first 7-0 semifinal victory in league history. He works on every project Nile offers, with a particular passion for private coaching. Mark specializes in round vision, powerful second constructives, cleaning tags, and devastating negative strategies.
Nile Coaches
Nile Coach (NCFCA)
Nathan Chen
Nathan joined NCFCA in 2020 and competed in TP, LD, and Moot Court. Nathan has previously mentored debate students, guiding them to tournament wins and numerous finals appearances. Nathan believes that each debater is unique in their communication style and should be comfortable debating in their own skin. His core philosophy is that understanding precedes persuasion.
Nile Coach (NCFCA)
Jeremiah Mosbey
During his years in debate, Jeremiah developed a keen understanding of strategy and tactics, as well as how to communicate efficiently and effectively. While debate may seem highly subjective, Jeremiah has come to see every round as similar to a game of chess, where every round is winnable if you are able to stay two steps ahead of your opponents.
Nile Coach (STOA)
Ben Copeland
Ben Copeland has many years of experience in debate, winning awards in all 3 forms of debate. He found most success in Lincoln Douglas debate where he placed first place at nationals and second place LD speaker. Ben strives to help other debaters to grow in their skills. His goal and motivation is to give all the glory to God through his skills in speech and debate.
Nile Coach (STOA)
Thorger Baker
Thorger baker has over 6 years of LD experience. He has a passion for debate and has won multiple tournaments, including a second place finish at Nationals. He's a skilled teacher and wants to focus on the issues you're struggling with, from the line by line to the big picture.