MavForensics Rank in National Top 12
The UNO MavForensics team for 2021 place in the top 12 at the national level.
After a year of hard work, dedication, and skilled performances the UNO MavForensics team competed at the first-ever virtual national tournament this April. With only 7 students, they earned 11th overall, landing a coveted top 12 finish. Each student competed with multiple speaking events - each member of the team performed in at least four events, up to six (the national maximum number of events allowed), while still earning significant individual preliminary points to compete against teams with more than double the number of participants.
5 out of 7 students placed in the quarterfinals of an event, which means 70% of the team was ranked in the top 24 students in the country, in at least one of their respective events. Two team members (Senior Maria Mendes Pinto and Junior Riley Smith) advanced to the semifinals.
Pinto also earned a spot on the prestigious All-American Forensics team, which is awarded through a panelist of coaches after a rigorous application process and recognizes students who have excelled in forensics competition, academic success, and community service. Pinto has not only started her own non-profit to teach young students English, but puts in hours of community service as the Student Representative for District 4 Forensics, which spans over 6 states in the Midwest.
In addition to Pinto and Smith’s successes, the entire team contributed by qualifying in every single event to Nationals.
The team includes: Seniors Maria Mendes Pinto, Matt Denny, Santiago Lopez, and William Kunkle; Juniors Addison Parr and Riley Smith; and Freshman Veronica Peck.
Next year will combine online and in-person competition. If you are interested in being a part of the MavForensics team, contact Director Amanda Goodrich at agoodrich@unomaha.edu.
