About the Academy
Washington Debate Academy
Washington Debate Academy is an in-person competitive debate academy serving students in Grades 5–12 across Redmond, Sammamish, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, and the neighboring Eastside communities. We help students grow from first-time speakers into disciplined researchers, persuasive communicators, thoughtful competitors and confident leaders.
Mission
To develop confident, analytical, respectful, and persuasive student leaders through structured debate education and meaningful competitive opportunities.
Vision
To build a community where students learn to examine complex issues, express their ideas with clarity, compete with integrity, and use their voices to lead.
Our Values
Founder & Coaching Team
Our workshops are coordinated by Coach HG, Founder and Head Coach at Washington Debate Academy. We are committed to providing quality instruction and competition opportunities in the Greater Seattle area and beyond .
Coach HG
Founder and Head Coach
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in global technology organizations, Coach HG has spent his career communicating complex ideas, leading high-performing teams, influencing executive decisions and mentoring professionals at every stage of their careers.
He founded Washington Debate Academy because he believes debate and public speaking are essential life skills. His coaching approach combines encouragement with high expectations. He focuses on creating a supportive environment where students learn to express their ideas with clarity, structure, respect and confidence.
Coach HG has also authored The Money Sandbox, a wealth management book that helps readers think more clearly and holistically about wealth, enabling them to make confident decisions about money while understanding the risks.
Coach Avantika
Co-Founder and Lead Coach
Hi! I’m Avantika, an expert in Congressional Debate and Extemporaneous Speaking with 4 years of experience. Throughout my debate journey, I’ve earned 3 state-level awards, multiple district awards, and mentored younger debaters as they developed their skills and confidence.
What I love most about debate is the opportunity it gives you to find your voice. There is nothing quite like stepping onto the stage, sharing your ideas and growing with every round. As a coach, I help students become thoughtful speakers, confident leaders and lifelong learners while having a supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged to challenge themselves.
Outside of debate, I am also an international champion at the HOSA International Leadership Conference and a state winner of the Texas Science and Engineering Fair. In my free time, you’ll usually find me writing poetry in my notebook while listening to music (bonus points if you’re a Conan Gray or Olivia Rodrigo fan!!)
Additional Coaches
Interested in Coaching with us? Contact us at washingtondebateacademy@gmail.com.