Senate Concurrent Resolution 578

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SAMYE JOHNSON, THE FIRST PERSON TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME FOR THE SPORT OF VOLLEYBALL.

WHEREAS, the Jackson Touchdown Club and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame has unveiled the 40th Anniversary Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2002, which features Samye Johnson, outstanding volleyball player and coach who played at MSCW and coached teams at East Texas State, Mississippi University for Women and Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, her sports career is a matter of record: born in Jackson, Mississippi, but raised in Mendenhall, Mississippi, described by Mississippi State Athletic Director Larry Templeton as "one of the crown jewels of Mississippi State athletics"; she is the first person to be inducted into the Mississippi Hall of Fame for the sport of volleyball; a basketball and track star at Mendenhall Attendance Center, she participated in volleyball, basketball, swimming and badminton at MSCW (now known as MUW); led MSCW to the first National Intercollegiate Volleyball Tournament in 1970 and State championship; returned to her alma mater from 1979-1994 where she guided MUW Blues to state titles in volleyball and softball; guided MUW softball, volleyball and basketball squads to NCAA tournaments appearances; coached Mississippi State Lady Bulldog volleyball team from 1994-1997; only the 19th coach in college volleyball history to reach the 500th win mark in 1996; and successful sports administrator still serving MSU as Assistant Athletic Director; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this outstanding athlete who has brought honor to her university and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Samye Johnson, outstanding volleyball player and coach, upon her induction into the 40th Anniversary Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2002, and wish her and her family continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Samye Johnson at induction ceremonies to be held on April 19, 2002, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.