ABOUT ZEBRAPAD
Weird name, cool mission: to make competitive speech preparation smarter, faster, and way more fun.
Built by coaches and former competitors with deep roots in the activity, Zebrapad was designed to meet the real-world challenges of performance prep -- emotional, mental, and logistical. Our tools help design and create outstanding performances, structure and execute impactful speeches, and above all else -- stay organized, motivated, and in control, so you can spend less time stressed and more time doing what matters...amplifying young voices through undeniable performances.
1. Dutch: crosswalk; a designated path that helps individuals move safely from one side to the other
2. Speech: a digital toolkit that helps students and coaches move from where they are, to where they want to be
/ˈzeɪ·brəˌpæd / noun
ETHOS
We’re not here to hoard knowledge. We’re here to share it.
Zebrapad was built by speech alums who believe that access is the biggest issue facing our activity. When we treat institutional knowledge like a secret, we gatekeep the next generation.
We believe in mentorship over mystique. In equity over ego. And in building tools that support the coach, not replace them.
PATHOS
We love speech. And we want more people to love it too -- all of it.
Speech changes lives, but only if students get the chance to find their voice without fear. For too many, the prep process feels overwhelming and the expectations feel unreachable. When the pressure outweighs the joy, we lose kids and coaches who could’ve thrived. Zebrapad was built to remove friction and open the door a little wider. We believe in empathy for the process, admiration for the artistry, and the power of a well-timed breakthrough. Speech should feel like discovery, not survival.
LOGOS
Clarity is power. Creativity deserves structure.
Every great performance is built on hundreds of tiny decisions: what to cut, what to keep, how to organize, how to rehearse, how to grow. But right now, most students are building brilliance out of chaos, juggling Google Docs, random folders, and advice from three different coaches. Zebrapad brings structure to the mess. Our tools help students and coaches do more with less, streamline the prep process, and spend more time doing what matters. This isn’t automation -- it’s amplification.
YOUR CROSSING GUARDS
Natalie Sintek
Coach, creator, and lifelong believer in the power of speech. As a competitor, Natalie was a three-time Minnesota state champion, NCFL national champion, and NSDA national champion—later adding more than 20 collegiate national final rounds and multiple national titles to her name. As a coach, she’s guided students to state championships, NIETOC and NSDA national finals across events.
She built Zebrapad with that same spirit—clear tools, smart structure, and a little bit of fun to make the journey less stressful and a lot more rewarding.
Meg Krekeler
Storyteller, coach, and fervent supporter of opportunities for students to find and use their voice to speak on matters important to them. Meg started her journey in Speech as a competitor and has now been coaching for 30 years. She has coached NSDA, NIETOC, and NCFL semifinalists, finalists, and champions in the categories of duo interpretation, dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretation, original oratory, informative, and programmed oral interpretation - some of whom have gone on to have careers in theatre, network television and journalism.
She is excited to be part of developing Zebrapad and the ways in which it will help students and coaches drive independent learning, create powerful performances, and grow teams.