Students packed into Holloway 518, anticipating an explanation for the news that had been announced in an email earlier in the day. As he announced his departure from Trinity to the students sitting at the edges of their seats, Benjamin Gaddis promised that he would be with the team even during his absence.
Leaving to finish his PhD in Rhetoric and Language at the University of Texas at Austin, Gaddis told his team that he would have their backs no matter what.
“My job has always been to help students find their voices, to find how they can advocate for themselves, and to help students realize that whoever they are is enough,” Gaddis said.
Through all the success of Trinity forensics, including four national finalists, Gaddis has been there for it all. Taking over the team in 2020, Gaddis was excited to work with a team he had known about since he was a competitor himself. From coaching national champions at the University of Texas to Trinity Prep, he inspires students to strive to be the best versions of themselves in the classroom, in front of judges, and in life.
Gaddis has one specific coaching principle that makes him different from the rest: demanding excellence. While trophies are a nice bonus, Gaddis will be proud of his team as long as they live up to the standard of excellence. This excellence could be anything from competitors having fun in their events to changing lives with their pieces.
“… You are never guaranteed a trophy but you’re guaranteed time to speak and advocate and if you use that time for good, it’s always better and always rewarded,” Gaddis said.
National champion in Extemp Commentary, senior Jonah Downs recognizes that Gaddis’ coaching philosophy helped him long before he held the championship trophy.
“It’s perspective that can change the way you act, because reaching your potential can sometimes be more fruitful than being number one,” Downs said.
By giving refuge to students searching for a voice, Gaddis has certainly changed lives – I know he changed mine. Although the Trinity campus will miss his humor, motivation and comfort, Gaddis has prepared all of his students for this very moment by instilling them with the courage and leadership necessary to go through life successfully.
“When you behave like a champion and have a champion mindset, you get what you want easier,” Gaddis said.
While Gaddis may be leaving, he is not taking a legacy of excellence with him, leaving his wisdom and words with his team of over 100 eager students.
“We’re not done here,” Downs said.
