Alice Hovendon
Hi there! My name is Alice Hovendon. I graduated back in 2022 from Eagan High School in Minnesota and am currently a student at McGill University in Montréal, Quebec, where I study Sociology and Psychology!
I LOVE speech – seriously, I love it. I started performing as a freshman in high school and during my time on the team, I was fortunate to compete in DUO, DI, POI, and HI (though DUO will always hold a very special place in my heart). I was a Minnesota State Champion in DUO in 2021, as well as a State finalist the following year. Also in 2021, I was a semi-finalist at NIETOC in both DUO and DI, and a finalist in POI, coming in 5th. My partner and I were second runner-ups at the 2021 NSDA National Tournament in Asynchronous Duo Interp. In 2022, after qualifying for Nationals in both HI and DUO, my partner and I were semi-finalists at NSDA Nationals, following a 2nd place finish at NIETOC that year.
Since graduating, I’ve been coaching and am consistently blown away by the incredible talent I’ve been lucky enough to work with! I’m so excited to get to meet you all and start getting to work!
Coaching Style
Juan De La Cruz employs a surgical approach to forensic coaching, focusing on the intersection of rhetorical precision and psychological performance. His methodology involves deep-tissue script analysis followed by high-intensity delivery drills that refine every beat of a performance. Expect a coaching relationship built on radical candor, where every vocal inflection and movement is intentional. Juan prepares students not just to compete, but to command the room with unshakeable authority and strategic intellectualism.
Coaching Philosophy
At its core, I believe speech is about connection. It’s the bridge between an idea and an impact. My mission is to help students find their unique voice, refine their message, and deliver it with unshakeable confidence. I guide my work with each student using my 3 Es: Expertise, Energy, and Encouragement!
Specialized Areas of Expertise
Research
Alice teaches rigorous forensic research methods, helping students find superior evidence and build nuanced understandings of complex global topics.
Cutting & Story Construction
Expert script refinement and narrative structuring for interpretation events, ensuring every piece has a compelling arc within competitive time limits.
Acting & Performance Analysis
Deep performance refinement focusing on character truth, emotional resonance, and vocal dynamics for a captivating stage presence.
Tech & Movement
Implement precision blocking and technical choreography to transition between characters and moments with forensics authority.