Vismay Avadhani
Vismay Avadhani (he/him) is a freshman from Chandler, Arizona, studying Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University with hopes of becoming a patent attorney. Outside of classes, he enjoys playing Indian Classical violin, singing Carnatic music, photography, and playing volleyball, table tennis, and pickleball. This year, he’s especially excited to compete and spend time with friends who feel like family. He loves the movie Rush Hour and loves reading Heroes of Olympus. Vismay’s go-to meal is Chipotle and his drink of choice is a 1/4 lemonade, 3/4 Sprite. If he could have any superpower, he’d choose time control. His hot take? The movie Interstellar is overrated.
Quote: “Life is hard, but it’s harder when you’re stupid” -Senator John Kennedy
Cesar Ayala
Cesar Ayala (he/him) is a freshman from Phoenix, Arizona, studying Political Science at Arizona State University with hopes of becoming an attorney and eventually a college professor. He enjoys playing guitar and piano, basketball, hiking, watching MMA, playing Pokémon, and reading. This year, he’s especially excited to compete, meet new people, and build great bonds with the team. As an ENFP-T, Cesar loves Animal Farm, pizza, and his favorite drink order is a Baja Blast! He doesn’t believe coffee is all that, despite what other people think.
Quote: “Do not pray for easier lives, pray to be stronger men” – Philips Brooks
Simran Bhalla
Simran Bhalla (she/her) is a freshman from Ahwatukee, Arizona, studying Psychology at Arizona State University with plans to attend law school and eventually become an attorney, though she’s still debating what specific field of law. Simran loves traveling, hiking, playing tennis, baking, going to concerts, taking photos, and spending time with family and friends. She’s especially excited to become part of the SDMT community, learn from her coaches and teammates, and grow through new experiences. Her favorite movie is How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and her favorite book isTo Kill a Mockingbird, and could never say no to birria! Her drink of choice is a Caramel Blondie from Black Rock, and if she could have any superpower, she’d choose time travel. Fun fact: she can say any word or sentence backwards!
Quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Colin Campbell
Colin Campbell (he/him) is a freshman from Phoenix, Arizona, majoring in Microbiology. He hopes to go to law school and either become a criminal defense attorney or federal prosecutor (he’s still deciding). He enjoys playing video games and watching TV, although he believes that mock trial is about to become his entire life. His favorite movie is Pacific Rim, his favorite food is any sort of pasta, and thoroughly enjoys Shirley Temples. He is excited to make new friends on the team and get to know more about the program! If he could have any superpower, he’d choose the ability to dislocate someone’s shoulder at will.
Quote: “The only reason we die is because we accept death as an inevitability”
Vedang Chintalapati
Vedang Chintalapati (he/him) is a freshman from Scottsdale studying Public Service and Public Policy. You’d never think this, but he’s been a longtime Carnatic singer who also enjoys guitar, hiking, swimming, and pickleball! Vedang hopes to pursue a career in public policy, government relations, or law and is excited to grow with his fellow club members and become a more compelling attorney. Vedang’s favorite forms of entertainment contain Les Misérables, My Brilliant Friend, and How I Met Your Mother. Despite what others think, Vedang firmly believes salad is better without dressing.
Quote: “Nobody can tell ya there’s only one song worth singing … you’ve gotta make your own kind of music.” – Cass Elliot
Bella Faser
Bella Faser (she/her) is a freshman from Goodyear, Arizona, and if majoring in Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership. She hopes that after she goes to law school she’ll become a lawyer working in the political sphere, advocating for others through campaigns or nonprofits. When Bella isn’t busy being a dedicated student, she loves concerts, working out, sweet treats, and spending time with friends. She loves Big Brother, Greek yogurt, and Diet Mountain Dew, and if she could have any superpower, she’d choose mind-reading. You’d never guess this, but Bella was a lifeguard and swim instructor this past summer! Fun fact: she used to make TikTok edits of a YA fantasy show for five years!
Quote: “All I know is that I know nothing” – Plato
Samanvi Godasi
Samanvi Godasi (she/her) is a freshman from Chandler and is majoring in Business Law. Whenever she’s not studying, Samanvi plays the mridangam, an Indian percussion instrument, and also has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. After she graudates from college she hopes to attend law school and explore a career in law or diplomacy (she’s still deciding!) This year Samanvi is excited to meet new people, sharpen her mock trial skills, and learn along the way. She’ll recommend anybody to watch New Girl, order a cookies-and-cream milkshake, and if she were to pick, she’d choose flying as her superpower.
Quote: “Anyone can love a rose, but it takes a lot to love a leaf. It’s ordinary to love the beautiful, but it’s beautiful to love the ordinary.”
Pritvi Govind
Pritvi Govind (he/him) is a freshman from Chandler and is studying Business Law. Right now, he’s looking to get involved in new clubs and get back to working. After he goes to law school, Pritvi hopes to become a lawyer and eventually open his own practice. This year, he’s excited to get a real understanding for mock trial world and learn what it’s all about. He’ll recommend Pantheon, choose salmon for dinner, and stand by his belief that lobster doesn’t taste like anything. You probably wouldn’t guess this, but Pritvi is double-jointed! He’d would pick super speed as his superpower, and would celebrate any occasion with a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts, often finding himself motivated the most by those around him.
Quote: “At the end of the day, the day ends.”
Ximena Hernandez
Ximena Hernandez (she/her) is a sophomore from Phoenix majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Outside of class, she works at Raising Cane’s, helps with Sunday School at her church, roller skates, watches movies, and collects Marvel comics! Ximena hopes to become a lawyer, either in criminal defense or corporate law, and one day eventually open her own firm. If you’d ask her for any film or TV recommendations, she’d recommend Guardians of the Galaxy, Tuesdays with Morrie, and The Office! As a Leo her favorite drink order is an iced matcha latte with oat milk and brown sugar, she and proudly admits she loves rewatching the same sitcoms over and over.
Quote: “Tremendous amounts of talent are lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt.”-Shirley Chisholm
Alexia Hibbert
Alexia Hibbert (she/her) is a freshman from Chandler, Arizona, and is majoring in Finance with a minor in Philosophy. She hopes that after she graduates she’ll be able to go to law school and become a corporate lawyer! This year she’s most excited to better herself while being surrounded by supportive friends who have the same goals as her! Alexia’s favorite things consists of Ponyo, The Book Thief, and fettuccine alfredo. As and ENFP, her hot take is that humidity is so much better than dry heat, and something you’d never guess is that her guilty pleasure is the candies and pastries everyone else thinks are disgusting because they’re too sweet!
Quote: “I want to be defined by the things that I love.” – Taylor Swift
Emily Kim
Emily Kim (she/her) is a sophomore from Chandler majoring in Psychology. This year she’s excited to meet people who share similar goals and learn more about the team! After she graduates she hopes to becom a lawyer and eventually a judge, and become and advocate for others. As an ISTP she’ll often recommend anybody to watch Trolls, read I Who Have Never Known Men, and binger the show Love, Death & Robots. When it comes to what to order she loves a good spicy tuna sushi, and firmly believes pickles are disgusting. If you thought she couldn’t impressions of Mickey Mouse, Pikachu, and Dora, then you thought wrong.
Quote: “Comme ci comme sa, the views are better above ground” – Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Corman Kneup
Cormac Kneup (he/him) is a sophomore from Sahuarita, Arizona, studying Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. He hopes to become a patent lawyer focused on intellectual property and is excited to sharpen his public speaking skills while making new friends. Some of Cormac’s favorite past times include reading, trying new foods, listening to electronic music, and working in the Barrett Dean’s Office. His favorite movies include Everything Everywhere All at Once, Wuthering Heights, and his favorite show is Gilmore Girls. He loves a good Peach Ring Rebel from Dutch Bros or a latte from a local coffee shop, and if he could have any superpower, he’d choose hydrokinesis. Fun fact: he estimates that about half the calories he consumes come from ice cream!
Quote: “I believe in the person I want to become.” -Lana Del Rey
Sofia MacCullagh
Sofia MacCullagh (she/her) is a freshman from Tucson who is majoring in Political Science. She loves riding her bike, trying new foods, and spending time with her dog! Sofia hopes to get involved in politics or attend law school to become a criminal defense attorney. She’s so excited this year to meet new people and grow different skills through mock trial! Her favorite movie is The Princess Bride, and as a Libra she loves order Indian food (especially veggie paneer). Her superpower of choice would be mind reading, but don’t get it twisted, she’d only want to so she could understand people’s perspectives more.
Quote: “To dare is to loose one’s footing momentarily, not to dare is to loose ones self.”
Aaron Marx
Aaron Marx (he/him) is a freshman from Mesa, Arizona, majoring in Business Law. When he’s not bsuy being a student, Aaron is a private pilot, is perusing a career in commercial aviation,and even considers law to be one of his newer endeavors. He enjoys playing guitar and is excited to meet new people this year and travel with the team! He’s excited to meet new people, travel with the team, and explore law along the way. His favoirte movie is Hubie Halloween, asks that you don’t judge him because of it, and also enjoys eating sushi, steak, and a very specific Starbucks order. An unpopular opinion of his is that Pepsi products are better than Coca-Cola products.
Quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Daniel Millmond
Daniel Millmond (he/him) is a freshman from Peoria studying Economics. His favorite pastime include traveling, working out, volunteering, thrifting, and spending time with his family. Daniel hopes to attend law school and is currently interested in Intellectual Property and Antitrust law. He’s excited to sharpen his skills, compete in tournaments across the country, and get to know the SDMT team. He’ll often order an iced chai and will proudly defend ketchup on eggs! He can name every starting NFL quarterback from memory (a handy trick) and spends his money on Lego car sets.
Quote: “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Alex Naba
Alex Naba (he/him) is a freshman from Glendale, Arizona, majoring in Accounting and Economics. Alex hopes to pursue a career in tax law and is excited to see what opportunities SDMT is going to provide! His favorite eats consist of shawarma and is often motivated by food, but he believes that ketchup should never go on anything. A secret talent of his is that he can do a handstand, and he hopes that he can one day attain the superpower of eating without gaining any weight.
Quote: “If you ain’t first, you’re last””
Zoe Nield
Zoe Nield (she/her) is a freshman from Gilbert majoring in Political Science with a minor in history. When she’s not in class, Zoe can usually be found reading, writing, crocheting, doing yoga, or attempting to master swing dancing. She hopes to become an attorney and joined mock trial to challenge herself, learn new skills, and meet people along the way. Her favorite movie is Spider-Man (the 2002 one, of course), loves pasta and pastries, and would choose teleportation as her dream superpower. If you ever find yourself in need of help drafting a difficult text or email, Zoe prides on herself on being the best person to go to for that!
Quote: “Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on”- Mary Oliver (Wild Geese)
Juliana Simpson
Julianna Simpson (she/her) is a freshman from Glendale majoring in Political Science and History. She’s a former competitive dancer and varsity cheerleader, and she has always loved performing, creating art, and being on stage! Juliana hopes to attend law school and become an attorney specializing in family law and child advocacy. She’s excited to compete, meet new people, and bring her performance background to this club. When she’s in a coffeeshop she’ll normally be found ordering a chai latte, and proudly defend pineapple on pizza. She can also touch her tongue to her nose, and no matter what other people say, she’ll insist that it’s more impressive than playing the violin.
Quote: “Well-behaved women seldom make history” – Laurel Thatcher Urich
Landon Sugalski
Landon Sugalski (he/him) is a freshman from San Antonio, Texas, majoring in Political Science. As a longtime sports fan, Landon spends his free time playing pickleball and sand volleyball, as well as reading, watching TV, and occasionally playing guitar. Landon hopes that after he graduates from ASU he’ll go to law school and become a lawyer in either corporate law or litigation. He is especially excited to learn more about the the mock trial competition process, put his skills into practice, and travel for tournaments. Even though he doesn’t have control over this, Landon will die on the hill that everyone should take at least one music class in high school.
Quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it” – Ferris Bueller
Nya Traynor
Nya Traynor (she/her) is a sophomore from Scottsdale studying Business Law. Alongside her other college activities, she’s also involved in Alpha Kappa Psi and Kappa Delta, and outside of school loves spending time with her family and friends. Nya hopes to become a lawyer and eventually pursue a career as a corporate prosecutor. She’s most excited for tournaments, team bonding, and everything else that comes with competing. She’ll defend her stance on dipping fries and as an INFJ she would never say no to a good pumpkin spice latte.
Quote: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon
Riya Yadav
Riya Yadav (she/her) is a sophomore from Scottsdale majoring in Business Law. Outside of mock trial, Riya is also a member of the Pre-Law Society and hopes to become a criminal defense attorney in New York. She is super excited to compete, travel for tournaments, and meet new people through this club! Outside of school, she enjoys musical theater, traveling, and listening to music. As a gemini she’d proudly also let you know that she has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and that if you think country music is good, to come chat with her.
Quote: “Life is painless for the brainless” – Wicked
Charlotte Vinkestejin
Charlotte Vinkesteijn (she/her) is a freshman from Chandler, Arizona, studying Business Law. This year, Charlotte hopes to gain experience at a law firm before attending law school and eventually practicing law. She enjoys going to the gym, listening to music, reading, and watching Supernatural. Charlotte also loves loaded fries, fruity drinks, and chai lattes, Project Hail Mary, and is excited to learn the ins and outs of mock trial while getting to know the SDMT community. You would never guess this about her, but Charlotte has great rhythm and is really good at memorizing songs!
Quote: “The water doesn’t get warmer just because you jump late.”
Suhayb Zahid
Suhayb Zahid (he/him) is a freshman from Chandler majoring in Economics and is interested in Political Science and Philosophy. When he’s not studying, Suhayb enjoys playing games with friends and listening to music. He’s considering a future as an attorney with the ACLU or something involving politics and advocating for others. He’ll recommend for anybody to at one point watch Gurren Lagann and read Hamlet! Suhayb also claims he can type exceptionally fast and is fueled by random epiphanies throughout the day.
“Somaliland isn’t that some sort of drug?” -Lisa Kim
