House Resolution 52

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2019-2020 GULFPORT HIGH SCHOOL LADY ADMIRALS SOCCER TEAM, HEAD COACH CHRIS PRYOR AND ASSISTANT COACHES JUDY RILEY, KELSEY MYRICK AND EMILY WEEMS FOR THEIR UNDEFEATED SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Gulfport High School Lady Admirals Soccer Team finished their 2019-2020 season with their second state title in the program's history when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A Girls Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, commanding the attention of their opponents much like the ruthless Admirals for which they are named, the undefeated Gulfport High School Girls Soccer Team charged against their opponents like an ambushing cavalry during the championship series, pulverizing the championship dreams of the number one and number three ranked teams on their way to the ultimate victory; and

WHEREAS, the MHSAA Class 6A Girls Soccer State Champions, who are ranked 22nd in the nation and third in the state by MaxPreps, finished their season with a 21-0-4 record, the first undefeated season in program history, which is a true testament to each players' unrivaled skill and ardent determination to win, and with 54 straight district matches, they are ranked number one on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and their 21 wins ties the most wins in school program history; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Lady Admirals Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Clinton High School in a 3-1 win, as their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first walked onto the field until the referee blew the final whistle; and

WHEREAS, during the championship matchup, freshman Mary Frances Symmes scored the first goal 13 minutes into the game while Mallory Streetman made it 2-0 only two and a half minutes later, and with 14 minutes left in the game, Kate Smith increased the Gulfport score to 3-0; and

WHEREAS, the 2019-2020 Lady Admirals team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Gulfport High School Girls Soccer Team, led by senior captains, Jaden Hickman, Kayley Holloway and Bailey Smith, is comprised of the following very talented and distinguished young women: juniors, Kelsey Favre, Mackenzie McKinney, Delaney Owen and Kay Vincent; sophomores, Lauren Carothers, Jasmine Casey, Camryn Crosby, Lily Crosby, Addie Eddins, Skylar Lambert, Natalie Lott, Zakiya Lowe, Karlisle Madison, Iben Madsen, Kate McCormick, Alyssa Moniz, Rebecca Nelms, Abbie Sawyer, Kate Smith, Raiya Smith, Mallory Streetman and Mary Morgan Wert; and freshmen, Abigail Badurak, Anna Grace Deakle, Laylah Johnson, Elena Knoll, Mary Frances Symmes, Addie Wilson and Allie Gant, manager; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Admirals have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Chris Pryor, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and Assistant Coaches Judy Riley, Kelsey Myrick and Emily Weems have helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field and played a huge role in the success of the Gulfport High School Lady Admirals Soccer Team; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Pryor, Riley, Myrick and Weems continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Gulfport High School Lady Admirals Soccer Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom bring honor to their school, the Gulfport community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2019-2020 Gulfport High School Lady Admirals Soccer Team, Head Coach Chris Pryor and Assistant Coaches Judy Riley, Kelsey Myrick and Emily Weems for their undefeated season and for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A Girls Soccer State Championship 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 Chris Pryor, Superintendent Glen East, Principal Mike Lindsey, Athletic Director Bryan Caldwell and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.