Zach Wu

Ascend California - Congressional Debate Specialty Instructor

Zach Wu is a sophomore and Chancellor’s Scholar at Vanderbilt University. He championed Harvard twice (2 more times than Ethan!), was the runner-up at the TOC twice, and placed 6th in the House and 3rd in the Senate at NSDA. And if any tiger moms are reading this, Zach also won Princeton and UPenn. In Illinois, he is the most decorated debater in state history, having championed the Illinois Congressional Debate Association, the Illinois Tournament of Champions, and the Illinois High School Association. Each twice! Four years ago, Zach co-founded Youth Voices, one of the leading extracurricular debate programs that provides instruction to over 200 debaters nationwide. His middle school students have championed or placed in the top 3 at Harvard, the MSTOC, and MS Nationals for three straight years. His high schoolers have dominated the circuit this season too, winning tournaments like Harvard and the Harvard Round Robin, and placing in the top 6 of every major championship. Zach loves helping students pioneer innovative strategies, meticulously craft magical AGDs, and (God forbid…) speak late. Outside of debate and school, Zach prints money in skins games against unsuspecting golfers like Ethan, perfects his pasta recipes in the kitchen, and will offer $100 to any Ascend staffer who can beat him in fantasy football.