House Concurrent Resolution 84

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE GERMANTOWN HIGH SCHOOL LADY MAVERICKS SOCCER TEAM FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, for the first time in school history, the Germantown High School Lady Mavericks Soccer Team are state champions, reigning victorious in double overtime against Long Beach High School at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship on February 17, 2018; and

WHEREAS, playing with full hearts and unimaginable amounts of finesse and might, the Lady Mavericks outplayed and ultimately outlasted Long Beach High School to win 2-1 after two halves that left fans on the edge of their seats, and their marvelous win set off an excited celebration for the fans who had sat through four seasons of weather during the game, since it was a balmy 70 degrees when the game started and 53 degrees and raining sideways with tumultuous winds at a steady 15-20 miles-per-hour by halftime; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Mavericks scored first in the 12th minute of the first half with a goal off the foot of senior Jordan Jones, as she crossed up Long Beach keeper Alexis Wilson, who did everything she could to bring in the diving save, but in the 74th minute of the second half, Germantown keeper Georgia Jordan deflected a shot on her goal right to Long Beach's Susie Stevison, who booted it into the back of the net, but amazingly, in double overtime, it was Germantown senior Sam Pennock who had a clear shot at the goal from 20 yards out on the left wing when the ball bounced to her, and her outstanding goal gave the Lady Mavericks a 2-1 victory and their first state title in school history; and

WHEREAS, with unwavering hope and fortitude during past seasons, the Lady Mavericks have been on the cusp of a championship for three years, but this season, the Lady Mavericks invested countless hours of hard work and were tremendously determined to make sure that they would not be denied this year; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Mavericks strived to win with unparalleled motivation and fervent determination during the final game of the season, and their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they stepped onto the field until they sealed their victory with the golden goal and they raised their well-deserved championship trophy under the stadium's twinkling lights; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics this season were most impressive overall, but the key to the Lady Mavericks' success was the tremendous team spirit and year-round hard work by the following talented athletes: Lynsey Cook, Hannah Henderson, Georgia Jordan, Anna Lloyd, Darby Melia, Rylee McGee, Sam Pennock, Alice Brown, Maloy Mitchell, Iris Ball, Amelia Agostinelli, Abbie Hanna, Lily Hardesty, Morgan Evans, Frankie Wood, Grayson Amis, Tae' McGehee, Maggie Robinson, Sarah Addison Snoddy, Daden Wood, Jordan Jones, Lauren James, Eme Bryson, Miriam Walker, Mattie Lewis, Caroline Rocray, Keely Marshall, Demi Damon, Bella Snoddy and Kayla Young; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Mavericks have been exceptionally coached and tremendously inspired by Head Coach Michael Guidry and Assistant Coach Katie Holden, who have broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Mavericks are talented student-athletes who strive for excellence both on and off the field, with the team's average GPA being 3.7, and in their tireless dedication to both the team and to the game of soccer, the Lady Mavericks have developed a winning, optimistic spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their positive attitudes reflect splendidly upon the individual players and their coaches, bringing honor to Germantown High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Germantown High School Lady Mavericks Soccer Team, whose determination and excellence on the field brings honor to their school, their community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Germantown High School Lady Mavericks Soccer Team for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A Girls Soccer State Championship for the first time in school history, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Michael Guidry and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.