For the first time in program history, the TCU Mock Trial Team has secured a bid to the American Mock Trial Association Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS). The team earned this prestigious opportunity after a strong performance at the AMTA Regional Tournament, competing alongside top schools such as Baylor University, University of Texas and Rice University.
Michele Meitl, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice and the team’s faculty advisor, said that this milestone marks a significant achievement for the young program, which has quickly risen to prominence since its founding in the fall of 2021.
“The amount of time and effort mock trial students put into this activity is commendable,” Meitl said. “Students have practiced for several hours every week since August and have attended three weekend invitational tournaments.”
Earning a spot at ORCS is no small feat, Meitl noted, particularly for a program that has competed in person at regionals only three times. The first year of competition was held virtually due to COVID-19.
“The competition at regionals is fierce,” Meitl said. “I knew that our students were prepared, but they would have to execute at their highest level to move on to ORCS, and they did just that. I am incredibly proud of each member of this team.”
“Hearing our name called as one of the teams advancing to the Opening Round Championship Series was a surreal moment." - Gene Herrmann '26
For the students, advancing to ORCS is a defining moment. McKayla Pratt, a senior political science major, earned both a witness and attorney award at regionals.
“As a senior, I’ve watched the program grow since the beginning,” Pratt said. “It felt like all our hard work has finally paid off.”
Luke Hanson, senior political science major and another individual award recipient, emphasized the team’s determination.
“We went up against serious, big-name competitors,” Hanson said. “We walked in, showed them that we belong with them and didn't take no for an answer.”
Gene Herrmann, a junior political science major and TCU Mock Trial president and team captain, also earned an individual award at regionals and shared a sentiment similar to Pratt’s.
“Hearing our name called as one of the teams advancing to the Opening Round Championship Series was a surreal moment, Herrmann said. “As a newer program, we must compete with teams that have far more experience and institutional knowledge. In the short time since TCU Mock Trial was founded, being able to achieve a bid to ORCS was an accomplishment that took the buy-in from far more than just the seven people on the team.”
Herrmann also stated that members from years prior, current members, Meitl and many other people’s substantial efforts came together to make this possible.
“Hearing TCU’s name called was a memory that will last a lifetime,” Herrmann said.
Founded in 2021, the TCU Mock Trial Team provides students with an opportunity to develop critical thinking, public speaking and legal advocacy skills. Competing in national tournaments, the team has quickly established itself as a formidable presence in collegiate mock trial. The program fosters a strong sense of teamwork and dedication, preparing students for future careers in law and beyond.
