EXECUTIVE BOARD 2026-2027
PRESIDENT: Sam Luba
Sam Luba (he/him) is a sophomore from Phoenix majoring in Political Science and Justice Studies with a certificate in Political History and Leadership. Outside of SDMT, Sam is a senior reporter for The State Press, covering politics, community, and breaking news, and he works seasonally at Cactus Sports. He hopes to attend law school on the East Coast and become a civil rights/liberties attorney. He’s excited to welcome new members and, as Tournament Director, to host Sundown Showdown VII. His favorite mock trial memory is his team winning a bid to Nationals at L.A. ORCS—the second SDMT bid that day. He’ll argue that cold pizza is horrible, he’s a demon at pickleball, and his go-to is an iced dirty chai. If he had a superpower, it’d be teleportation.
Quote: “I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” — Thomas Jefferson
Anthem: Non-Stop – Hamilton
Year in SDMT: 2nd
VICE PRESIDENT: Elle Downey
Elle Downey (she/her) is a junior from Mesa, Arizona, majoring in Economics. She loves going to the beach, paddle boarding, reading, and keeping up her streak as an undefeated ping pong player. Elle isn’t sure yet where her career path will take her, but she knows she wants to do something she’s passionate about—something that helps people. This semester, she’s excited to meet all the new members joining SDMT and to watch everyone grow throughout the year. Her favorite mock trial memory is finding out that the team didn’t just get one, but two bids to nationals—for the first time in over a decade. A Pisces who swears by pasta in all its forms, Elle also loves Game of Thrones and The Kite Runner. Her guilty pleasure is reality TV, her go-to coffee order is a dirty chai, and her unpopular opinion is that Adam Conover is the worst celebrity to follow. If she could have any superpower, it would be time travel.
Quote: “The move that you’re most scared to make is the one that will change everything.”
Anthem:Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac
Year in SDMT: 3rd
Treasurer: Cindy Huang
Cindy Huang (she/her) is a freshman from Flagstaff studying Political Science with a minor in Chinese. Outside of class, you’ll find her in the pool with ASU’s Swim Club or at karaoke—she loves to sing and never misses a chance for a good session. Cindy is considering a future in law but is keeping her options open as she explores political research and international diplomacy. This semester, she’s excited to meet new people and experience her first season with SDMT. A fan of Marie Lu’s Legend, soup dumplings, and dark chocolate, Cindy also stands by her belief that Ivy Leagues are overrated. She runs on fun specialty lattes and would love the power of time travel if she could choose any superpower.
Quote: (She’s still deciding!)
Anthem:Long Live (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
Year in SDMT: 1st
SECRETARY: Ariana Hatefi
Ariana Hatefi (she/her) is a sophomore from Chandler, Arizona, majoring in Political Science. Ariana dreams of becoming either an immigration lawyer or a civil rights lawyer. She’s been playing piano for years, and it continues to be one of her favorite pastimes. This semester, she’s excited to meet new people, dive deeper into the trial process, and return to competing. Ariana is a big fan of Persian food (especially ghormeh sabzi) and loves rewatching her favorite movies and shows. She runs on iced French caramel lattes with extra espresso and admits to being an INFJ with a soft spot for photographic memory as a wished-for superpower. Something you might not guess about Ariana: she has a scar from a second-degree oil burn after being inspired to make beignets.
Quote: “Just because my dreams are different than yours, doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.”
Anthem: Jackie and Wilson – Hozier
Year in SDMT: 1st
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: Rylie Reese
Rylie Reese (she/her) is a sophomore born in Kissimmee and raised in Phoenix, studying Business Law and adding Accounting with a Sports, Law, and Business certificate. She’s been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for three years and even competes—though she’s also scared of airplanes. Rylie plans to go into civil litigation, specifically medical malpractice. This semester, she’s excited for mini-road trips with her teammates. She loves Mamma Mia! and Pride and Prejudice, swears only Thumbs is a good Sabrina Carpenter song, and her guilty pleasure is buying concert tickets months in advance. She usually orders a Shirley Temple and would choose flight as her superpower.
Quote: “What gives light must endure burning.” — Victor Frankl
Anthem: Musician – Porter Robinson
Year in SDMT: 2nd
GENERAL MEMBERS
Sun Devil Mock Trial 