Jyleesa Hampton, half of KU's first all-female and first all-African-American debate team to make it to the equivalent of the Sweet

When Jyleesa Hampton arrived at KU as a freshman, debate coach Scott Harris told her there was a place on the squad for students of all skill levels.

That was her — never a high school debate superstar, not much experience, limited knowledge.

A month ago she was half of KU’s first all-female and first all-African-American debate team to make it to the equivalent of the “Sweet 16” of the National Debate Tournament, along with partner Quaram Robinson. At the Cross Examination Debate Association National Tournament, where the duo finished second, Hampton was named National Debater of the Year.

“Working really hard was kind of the key to my success, and keeping the fire,” Hampton said. “Once you perfect the craft or perfect the skill, then that translates to accolades and success … but it took me some time to do so.”

Hampton loves learning.

She wants to put her three majors to work understanding complex issues like police brutality, how poverty affects children’s success and how public policy affects women of color.

Sticking it out at KU can be hard for black students, Hampton said.

She immediately plugged in — besides debate, she played rugby and joined Black Student Union and a sorority — and it made all the difference, she said.

“You have to seek out resources, and that’s all throughout your life,” Hampton said. “As my brother always says, closed mouths don’t get fed.”