House Resolution 36

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE GULFPORT HIGH SCHOOL LADY ADMIRALS SOCCER TEAM, HEAD COACH CHRIS PRYOR AND ASSISTANT COACHES HALEY HAMMONS, COURTNEY LADNER AND JUDY RILEY FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2020-2021 SEASON AND EARNING THE TITLE AS BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS AFTER WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.

WHEREAS, the Gulfport High School Lady Admirals Soccer Team have earned the title of back-to-back champions after finishing their 2020-2021 season ruling triumphantly at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A Girls Soccer State Championship for the second year in a row; and

WHEREAS, they ultimately earned the distinguished title of back-to-back champions by defeating Madison Central 2-1 in a commanding performance to snatch the Class 6A title game using their athletic prowess and agility, resulting in a combined 43-1-6 win over the past two seasons; and

WHEREAS, currently ranking No. 1 in Mississippi by MaxPreps and Scorebook Live, No. 5 in the nation of 14,000 girls soccer teams by MaxPreps, and reigning Region 8 Class 6A champions, this phenomenal team is a true testament to each players' unparalleled talent and eager determination to win; and

WHEREAS, the relentless cooperative team spirit of this 2020-2021 Lady Admirals Soccer Team constantly choked their opponents, and the amazing individual skills of all players' headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals were key to this team's amazing success; and

WHEREAS, the Gulfport High School Lady Admirals Soccer Team is comprised of senior captains, Delaney Owen, Kelsey Favre, Mackenzie McKinney, Kayle Vincent, and Natalie Salvador, who are supported by an amazing group of capable and distinguished young women: freshmen, Kate Ackerman, Imani Ashley, Emily Boles, Addison Cook, Aurora Dejapa, Ava Riley Harkins, Jordyn Ladner, Kimora Meeks, Madison Payne, Charliana Posey, Gabrielle Simmons, Savannah Sonier, Mackenzie Spengler, Marissa Wingerter, Gracyn White and Ava Waldren; sophomores, Abigail Badurak, Alexia Cardenas, Anna Grace Deakle, Allie Gant, Laylah Johnson, Mary Frances Symmes and Addie Wilson; juniors, Lauren Carothers, Lily Crosby, Addie Eddins, Skylar Talik, Natalie Lott, Zakiya Lowe, Karlisle Madison, Iben Madsen, Kate McCormick, Abbie Sawyer, Kate Smith, Raiya Smith, Mallory Streetman and Mary Morgan Wert; and last, but not least, the team manager, Amarii Hamilton; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Chris Pryor has inspired and motivated the Lady Admirals to greatness by cultivating the players' execution skills and expanding their knowledge of the game, with the help of Assistant Coaches Haley Hammons, Courtney Ladner and Judy Riley, who have helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Pryor, Hammons, Ladner and Riley have continued to build upon the historic legacy they have created by training the ladies to exhibit true sportsmanship with tenacity; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to celebrate and commend the superior feats of Mississippi's student-athletes, especially those such as the Gulfport High School Lady Admirals Soccer Team, whose brilliance and merit in the classroom are only complimented by their successes on the field, bringing honor to their families, 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 2020-2021 Gulfport High School Lady Admirals Soccer Team, Head Coach Chris Pryor and Assistant Coaches Haley Hammons, Courtney Ladner and Judy Riley for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A Girls Soccer State Championship, and for earning the distinguished title of back-to-back champions 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, the administration of Gulfport High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.