October 30, 2025 – The Hendrix College Mock Trial Association brought home a
record number of awards from the MockFrogs Invitational Tournament Oct. 25-26 at Texas
Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, marking a milestone moment for the
student-led program.
Competing against
teams from across the region, the two Hendrix mock trial teams together earned
four awards, including the program’s first-ever Outstanding Attorney Award and
its first Best Overall Team honor.
Beckett McCaslin ’28
and Vic Welky ’27 each earned Outstanding Witness Awards, McCaslin for his role
as a medical examiner and Welky for his portrayal of the defendant, both
demanding and technically challenging parts. Gracie Ross ’26, team captain and
president of the Hendrix Mock Trial Association, won the Outstanding Attorney
Award for her performance as defense counsel, the first in Hendrix Mock Trial
history. Ross and Welky’s recognition also marks the first time a Hendrix
lawyer–witness duo earned awards for the same trial.
In addition, the
Hendrix Team 2, led by Captain Natalie Vailes ’26, placed Third Best Overall
Team at the tournament, a first-time accomplishment for the College’s program.
The team won three of its four trials, the strongest record ever achieved by
Hendrix in a competition.
“Our Mock Trial team, unlike a vast majority of other competing
schools, is completely student-led, and has no on-site attorneys to advise us.
In previous years, it would have been unheard of that we would be able to bring
home this many awards, especially awards of this caliber,” said Ross. “But
because of the insane amount of work put in by our student team, we were able
to not just win these awards but get higher scores than we ever have before.”
Just two years ago,
the Hendrix Mock Trial Association had dwindled to seven members and faced
potential dissolution. Today, the group has expanded to 15 members and now
fields two competitive teams. The club practices multiple times each week,
often adding weekend scrimmages, as they prepare to compete regionally and
nationally.
With the College’s
support, Hendrix Mock Trial will compete in two invitational tournaments this
year, another first for the program, including an upcoming event in Kansas City
on November 14–15 followed by the Regional Tournament later this academic year.
Ross, who also serves
as vice president of programs for the Hendrix Pre-Law Society, credits the
team’s turnaround to the dedication of its members and the College’s commitment
to providing meaningful experiential opportunities.
“For the first time ever, because of the school's generosity, we
are able to go to two invitational tournaments instead of the one we are
usually able to do,” added Ross. “The Hendrix community can look forward to
hearing A LOT more out of the Hendrix Mock Trial team, because we are excited
to work diligently to make our school proud.”
2025–2026 Hendrix Mock Trial Roster
Captains: Gracie Ross
’26, Natalie Vailes ’26
Team 1: Gracie Ross
’26, Vic Welky ’27, Roosevelt Whetstone ’28, Kaylen Smith ’28, Maria Saenger
’28, Ian Burnsed ’28, Adrianna Lewis ’29, Ethan Lopez-Huerta ’29
Team 2: Natalie Vailes
’26, Helaina Ballis ’27, Madison Roberts ’27, Penelope Durden ’27, Beckett
McCaslin ’28, Emma Harrington ’28, Luna Morales ’29
About Hendrix Mock Trial Association
The Hendrix Mock Trial
Association gives students hands-on experience in courtroom procedure,
evidence, and trial advocacy. Each year, students prepare a case from the
American Mock Trial Association and compete in tournaments. This year’s case,
State v. Martin, is a criminal homicide trial that challenges students to
analyze complex evidence, craft persuasive arguments, and embody roles ranging
from attorneys to expert witnesses.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose