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McLean’s mock trial team placed fifth among 20 leading Virginia teams at the 2026 Virginia and D.C. High School Mock Trial State Championship, securing its sixth consecutive top-five finish.

The competition was held March 6-8 at the Henrico County Government Center. McLean earned 5.5 of eight available ballots across four closely contested rounds.

Senior co-captain Kathryn Thomas said the team entered the championship energized by its regional performance and intensified its preparation during the final weeks before the event.

McLean encountered a particularly difficult slate of opponents, including two teams from defending state champion Henrico High School. Senior Sophia Chen, who received a top witness award, said all but one of McLean’s opponents ultimately finished ahead of it in the rankings.

The mostly senior team had hoped to return to the championship round after many of its members helped McLean achieve a school-best second-place finish in 2024. Thomas said the tournament seeding made it difficult to build a large point differential, while several rounds ended with split ballots.

Chen credited the team’s courtroom performance to its members’ enthusiasm for law and the guidance of coaches who actively work as litigators. She said McLean’s attorneys repeatedly succeeded in objection battles and prevented opposing teams from introducing many of their planned topics.

This was also McLean’s first season fielding two teams. Although the second squad did not advance to the state championship, its 10 new members helped strengthen the program by giving students regular opportunities to scrimmage against one another.

Thomas said teaching the newcomers improved her own skills and made the overall team better.

Some newer members attended the championship as spectators. Sophomore Hannah Wibowo said watching a complete case unfold in a courtroom helped her understand how separately practiced elements—including opening statements, cross-examinations and closing arguments—fit together.

As the season ends, McLean’s graduating competitors hope the program continues offering students opportunities in law and public speaking. Thomas also expressed hope that coaches Kate, Eli and Drew remain with the team—and that future members can bring McLean its first state championship.