MTSU Mock Trial Team gains ground with growing roster, regional finish
Middle Tennessee State University’s Mock Trial Team closed its 2025–26 season with a trip to regional competitions, marking another step forward for a program that continues to grow in size, skill and confidence.
Mock trial is a competitive academic program where students simulate real courtroom proceedings. Participants take on roles as attorneys and witnesses, preparing legal arguments, examining witnesses, and presenting cases before judges in a structured competition format. While the team did not advance past regionals, the season reflected steady progress across the board.
The team’s growth has been one of the most notable developments. Coach David Himmelreich, an adjunct professor in the Department of Political and Global Affairs, said the program has expanded significantly in recent years. What started as just a handful of students has grown to about 30 participants this season. For the first time, the team was able to field two separate teams in competition.
That growth translated into results throughout the season. MTSU competed in multiple invitational tournaments across the country. At the Owl Invitational in Atlanta, the A team posted a 5-3 record and earned an honorable mention. Several students also earned individual honors at competitions in Georgia, Florida, Missouri and Tennessee. Jessie Decker, a data science major from Nashville, was recognized as an outstanding attorney, while Henry Vance, a political science major from Murfreesboro, earned honors as an outstanding witness.
Even with many first-time competitors on the roster, the team held its own against more experienced programs. Nicholas Perrone, a political science major from Spring Hill who plans to attend law school this fall, said many team members had to learn courtroom procedures from the ground up. He expressed pride in the team’s effort, from mastering objections to delivering opening and closing statements.
The season concluded at the American Mock Trial Association regional tournament held in February at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where MTSU continued to compete at a high level.
Students say the experience provides valuable personal and professional development. Renee Tetteh, a political science major from Smyrna, said mock trial helps build confidence while strengthening public speaking and critical thinking skills.
The program also fosters strong connections among team members. With practices twice a week and travel for competitions, students spend significant time working together, often forming lasting friendships. Perrone said the shared experience of learning, competing and solving problems together helped him build some of his closest relationships.
Beyond competition, the team emphasizes preparation and skill development. Members learn how to construct arguments, think quickly, and perform under pressure. These skills are applicable to a wide range of careers, including law, business and public service. Himmelreich noted that students benefit from hands-on learning, developing public speaking abilities, teamwork and professional presentation skills.
Looking ahead, the team plans to build on this season’s momentum by starting preparation earlier and improving performance levels sooner in the year. With continued growth in participation and experience, expectations are rising.
Tetteh said the team is focused on using what they learned this season to come back stronger. Perrone encouraged other students to get involved, saying there is no downside to المشاركة, as it offers valuable skills, confidence and a sense of community.
With a larger roster and increased experience, MTSU’s Mock Trial Team is positioned to take another step forward next season as it builds on a year of steady growth.
