By Micaiah Price
Through the years, Louisville High School’s speech team has had many changes. From the struggles to the wins, the team has found new ways to improve and grow. Each event has at least 3 competitors, and the team as a whole has 22 members, new and returning, as well as a new speech coach. Last year, assistant coach Jamion Biesterfeld decided to step down to spend more time with his family. As most people know, these were huge shoes to fill as Biesterfeld had been coaching for over a decade and 2025 was head coach Erik Quam’s first coaching season. However, Mrs. Monica Huber stepped in and is playing the role perfectly. Huber has found new ways to connect to students through her 3 years in poetry and from helping her 3 time state qualifier/champion daughter in serious prose and OID.
Freshman speech member Lydia Faubion said she is very excited for her first season in public performance. “I wanted to get better and more confident at public speaking. I also wanted to meet new people,” said Faubion.
For many, the speech team, or merely the thought of public speaking, can be quite intimidating. With the help of supportive coaches, students are able to feel connected within a small circle of people as well as learning important life skills.
Each season comes with its ups and downs, but for Huber the 2026 season is already off to a great start. With her first varsity meet on January 31st under her belt, Huber is learning to grow with her team.
For senior member Dayton Carlson, the speech team has had its faults and triumphs throughout the years.
Carlson said, “When I first joined speech my freshman year, I was pretty hesitant at first. I had only joined because my one act friends were on the team and, to be honest, I struggled. The first couple weeks of practices were always hard because it is so time-consuming and meets were, and still are, complicated because of judge opinions.”
As Carlson has grown throughout his four years, he’s realized how important a strong team is. Luckily for him, the speech team has carried a heart-warming connection to the table that has helped shape his fellow students as well as himself.
“The speech team is more of a family than just a club or organization. Both coaches promote being yourself and growing with the people around you. For this year, I’m excited to have a full team with lots of members that can help to carry this legacy,” said Carlson.
As the team changes, not all changes are for the worst. For Faubion, this new change in her life was bigger than just an after school activity.
“Public speaking has opened up my confidence levels as well as taught me new lessons in leadership,” said Faubion.
Not only does it connect the students, but it has also brought coaches and students together alike.
“It’s been so much fun working with all of the kids so far and I really want kids to be able to look back and think about how much fun they had. I mean, it’s all about the kids because I do truly care about them,” Huber said.
Although the team may have new members or events, it will always be the same family that the community of the Louisville district knows and loves.
Carlson said, “I can’t believe that it’s my senior year. I’m going to miss it all. Especially for the fact that I’m leaving these wonderful people behind. This team will forever hold a special place in my heart.”