Sebastian Gardner

Ascend Academy - Middle School Speech & Debate Coach

Sebastian is a graduate of The Potomac School in Virginia and a freshman at William & Mary, where he is enrolled in a joint degree program with the University of St. Andrews. A 2 year alumnus of Ascend, Sebastian has competed in speech and debate for 7 years: 4 in World Schools and 3 in Congressional Debate. He is a 4 time National Speech and Debate Tournament qualifier and has finaled at the Florida Blue Key Tournament, the Villiger Tournament at St. Joseph’s University (twice), the Patriot Games at George Mason University, the Cavalier Invitational at Durham Academy, and the John Edie Holiday Debates hosted by The Blake School. He was the 2024 Virginia State Champion and the 2025 State Runner-Up, placing just behind his teammate.

Sebastian served as a captain of his school’s congressional debate team for 2 years and has been coaching even longer than that. He has coached middle school debate at his school for 3 years and worked for 2 summers at his school’s debate camp, helping students of all skill levels develop confidence and familiarity with the activity. Sebastian believes there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to debate. His coaching style emphasizes what makes each debater unique and how those strengths can be used to win rounds and enjoy the activity. Whether a student leans into passionate rhetoric, strong refutation, or a mix of everything, Sebastian works to bring out each speaker’s distinct style and voice in round.

Outside of debate, Sebastian is an avid theater kid and gamer. Whether he’s watching Les Misérables, jamming to The Great Gatsby musical, or playing Battlefront (sometimes all at once), he’s super excited to return to Ascend and help students grow!