Meet The Membership

The University of Arizona Mock Trial team, competing nationally since 2002, is an institution focused on improving speaking and critical thinking skills through a simulated court environment. As a program familiar with national-caliber competition, we pride ourselves on a refined understanding of the Rules of Evidence and our ability to argue a clear, coherent, and stimulating case.

The Executive Board

Ellery Pendergrass (he/they) is the President of Arizona Mock Trial for the upcoming year! He's a junior from Mesa, Arizona heading into his third year in the program, and he's majoring in Human Rights and French. After Ellery graduates from college, — Ellery Pendergrass

*President*
Ellery Pendergrass (he/they) is a senior at the W.A. Franke Honors College heading into his fourth year in Arizona Mock. Ellery is majoring in Human Rights and French, and, after graduating, he plans on going to law school to pursue a career in appellate civil rights litigation. Outside of mock trial, Ellery is researching barriers facing asylum-seekers in international conflicts and is working with the Southern Arizona Community Cat Coalition to coordinate Trap-Neuter-Release volunteer opportunities for college students. When he’s not working, Ellery enjoys spending time with his cats and marshaling car races, and he’s excited for a new year of mock trial!

Ryan Ball

*Secretary*
Ryan (he/him) is a rising senior at the U of A Honors College and is majoring in Law and Political Science with a minor in Criminology. He is from Westbrook Maine, and this is his third year in the program. Outside of Mock Trial, he likes Family Guy, working as an english tutor for student athletes at C.A.T.S Academics, and being an avid pickleballer. After college, he hopes to attend law school and work in election law, civil rights law, or criminal defense.

Manuela Garcia

*Treasurer*
Manuela Garcia (she/her) is a rising junior majoring in Politics, Philosophy, Economics, and Law with a minor in Psychology. She is from Laveen Arizona and this is going to be her third year in mock trial. Outside of mock trial she enjoys dancing, watching baseball, and searching for cute coffee shops to fuel her caffeine addiction. After college she wants attend law school and pursue a career in international or corporate law.

Jack Miller

*Vice President*
Jack Miller (he/him) is an Arizona native. He is double-majoring in Public Management & Policy and Environmental & Water Resource Economics at the Honors College. Outside of mock trial, Jack works as a legal assistant with a focus on defensive immigration law, and as a resident assistant at the Honors College; he also leads a student research project on environmental policy and PFAS remediation. When he is not busy working and writing content for mock trial, Jack likes to hike, listen to Stevie Nicks, take care of his houseplants, and road trip to national parks.

Cordelia Ellsworth

*Tournament Director*
Cordelia Ellsworth (she/her) is a rising sophomore majoring in Political Science with minors in Spanish and Art History at the W.A. Franke Honors College. She joined mock trial as a way to explore the legal field and make new friends, and has enjoyed every second of it! Outside of mock, you can find Cordelia backpacking in Arizona’s gorgeous outdoors, crafting in her scrapbook, or singing her heart out to some showtunes. She can’t wait for this upcoming year of mock trial!

The Chair Board

**Tyrah Davis**
Fundraising Chair
Class of 2027, Political Science & Business
Surprise, AZ

**Maya Williams**
Belonging Chair
Class of 2026, Political Science
Philadelphia, PA

**Natalia Veliz**
Social Media Chair
Class of 2026, Law
El Paso, TX

**Taylor Philpott**
Training Committee Chair
Class of 2026, English & Law
Olympia, WA

**Jason Ojoye**
Summer Camp Chair
Class of 2027, Law & Business Economics
Peoria, AZ

**Jay Whitney**
Conflict Mediator
Class of 2026, Computer Science
Rochester, MN

**Brady Lary**
Social Chair
Class of 2026, Law & Spanish
Omaha, NE

The General Membership

Our members are a highly diverse group of individuals with a
wide variety of majors and interests, but they all have mock
trial in common. Look below to see our latest batch of students
competing across the country.