Dear RUMTA Family,
What a year it has been for Rutgers Mock Trial. As we wrap up the 2025–26 season, we
are proud to reflect on a year filled with major milestones, unforgettable moments, and
program-defining success. From getting all three teams bids to ORCS to having two of
our teams compete at Nationals ranking 13th in the nation, RUMTA has had a season to
remember.
C-Team Leaves Its Mark
After C-Team’s amazing performance at Haverford Regionals, they received a bid to
ORCS. Though their season ended at regionals, they showed immense support
cheering on our A and B-Team at the capitol. They ended the year off with a bid to
ORCS, a top 2 placing, and four individual awards. RUMTA screams a heartfelt
thank you to C-Team Captain, Kelsey Coffey, for her amazing leadership and setting
such a high bar for the future C-Teams.
A and B-Team take on D.C.
Fresh off a standout regional performance, both Rutgers teams traded the banks of the
Raritan for the nation’s capital, traveling to Washington, D.C. ready to take on ORCs.
There’s not an adequate amount of words that can explain RUMTA’s immense sense of
pride for the B-team, who ended their season in D.C. with two top three finishes, an
honorable mention, and four individual awards. RUMTA is deeply thankful for the
leadership and dedication of captain Frances Michaels and is excited to see where the
future takes this remarkable group. The A-Team delivered an unforgettable performance
at ORCs, securing Rutgers Mock Trial’s return to Nationals with a 5th place position
and a record of 8-3-1. Apparently, a trip to Nationals wasn’t enough for the team,
because A-team Captain Alice Ko also picked up an All-National Attorney Award of 24
ranks along the way.
The Capital Called– A-Team Answered
For the final tournament of the season, A-Team arrived ready to remind the competition
exactly who they were dealing with. Rumor has it, a few competitors reconsidered their
tournament plans the moment A-Team walked into the courtroom. Competing in a highly
competitive Mount Vernon Division, RUMTA earned an 8th-place finish with a
record of 7-4-1 to cap off an unforgettable season, being the second year in a row
placed in the Top 10 at the National Championship. When we said big things were
happening, we meant it. Freshman Isabella Herrera put the nation on notice, earning
an All-American Witness Award with an outstanding 24 ranks and becoming the
youngest All-American in Rutgers Mock Trial history. In true overachiever fashion,
A-team captain Alice Ko capped off the weekend by earning an All-American Attorney
Award with 26 ranks. With that being said, RUMTA owes an enormous thank you to
A-Team captain Alice Ko for her leadership throughout this unforgettable season.
Trial by Combat
Even with the season wrapped up, RUMTA’s presence in the courtroom is far from over.
Alice Ko will continue representing the Scarlet Knights this summer as one of sixteen
attorneys selected to compete in the Trial by Combat competition. Alice will be joined
by newly graduated Ayush Nimak, and coach Vicky Wei in Los Angeles, California this
June. Hollywood may be full of stars, but Alice Ko plans on adding one more name to
the list this summer.
In Closing
As we reflect on this past season, there are several individuals who deserve special
recognition. To our coaches, Craig Aronow, Rachel Holt, and Alyssa DiSturco, thank
you for your unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to Rutgers Mock Trial.
The impact you have had on this team cannot be overstated, and RUMTA is endlessly
grateful for everything you have poured into this program. With the foundation our
coaches continue to build, it feels less like a question of if a national title will come, and
more like when.
To our honorable graduated seniors, Alice Ko, Maulikaa Manikantan, and Ayush
Nimak, thank you for everything you have done for Rutgers Mock Trial throughout your
time with the program. Your hard work, leadership, and commitment helped shape this
unforgettable season, and your presence will be deeply missed. We cannot wait to see
all that you accomplish next.
We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of you for your continued
support of our program. Rutgers Mock Trial would not be where it is today without the
generosity, encouragement, and lasting impact of our alumni community.
See you in the fall,
RUMTA Executive Board