House Resolution 52

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2020-2021 FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL LADY EAGLES SOCCER TEAM, HEAD COACH BILL HOOD AND ASSISTANT COACH JOSHUA CAVANAUGH UPON WINNING THEIR FOURTH MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Florence High School Lady Eagles Soccer Team finished the 2020-2021 season with their fourth state title in the school's history when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A Girls Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, similar to the agile, ferocious raptors for which they are named, the Lady Eagles Soccer Team wielded its exceptional power and strength to pierce through the state championship dreams of each of their opponents in the state playoffs; and

WHEREAS, during the championship matchup, the Lady Eagles faced the West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights for the fourth consecutive year, and this championship was Florence's second state championship in this period, as they won in 2018 and finished as runner up in 2019 and 2020, and their fourth overall, adding to the championships they won in 2012 and 2013 under the leadership of the late Coach Gray Massey; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Lady Eagles Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights; and

WHEREAS, the dedication and athletic prowess of the offensive Lady Eagles players helped them become game changers during the championship match, as Shaelynn Quick began the scoring midway through the second half with a penalty kick, but after a Knights' score late in the second half that sent the game into overtime and then another score early in the overtime period, the Lady Eagles knew they had to take action to keep their championship dreams alive, so Madison Carroll leveled the game with an equalizer in the first overtime; and

WHEREAS, after neither team scored in the second overtime period, the game went to "Golden Goal," and after only playing for 43 seconds, Madison Carroll again put the ball into the net off a pass from Shaelynn Quick to win the championship and ensure the revered title crown returned to the Florence High School Lady Eagles' trophy case; and

WHEREAS, as many veterans of the game have said, "Defense wins championships," this age-old saying defined the immaculate strategy and skill of the Lady Eagles' defense, whose grit, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure the championship victory; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Florence High School Girls Soccer Team, who are bursting with wit and athleticism, faced off with some of the state's best contenders on the pitch, but persevered, despite obstacles due to COVID-19, to finish their season with 18 wins, only two losses and one tie, making their presence and talent known as the gladiators and invincible champions of MHSAA girls' soccer; and

WHEREAS, the 2020-2021 Lady Eagles 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 Florence High School Girls Soccer Team is comprised of very talented and distinguished young women, including: seniors, Jessie Heflin, Morgan Phillips, Olivia Burnham and Madison Carroll; juniors, Shaelynn Quick and Madelyn Edwards; sophomores, Addie Grace Barnard, Christina Guzman and Breeanna Goza; freshmen, Kailee Lilley, Rilee Raymond, Leslie Carroll and Meagan Spencer; eighth graders, Caroline Sanford, Kamryn Frazier and Rachel Parr; and seventh graders, Kylee Cloer, Mary Elise Taylor, Sydney O'Hair and Skyla Yount; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Eagles have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Bill Hood and Assistant Coach Joshua Cavanaugh, who have broadened the Lady Eagles' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the coaches, trainers Kira Berch, Mary Taylor and Jessie Broadwater helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field and played a huge role in the success of the Florence High School Girls Soccer Team; and

WHEREAS, Coach Hood and Coach Cavanaugh 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 Florence High School Lady Eagles Soccer Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2020-2021 Florence High School Lady Eagles Soccer Team, Head Coach Bill Hood and Assistant Coach Joshua Cavanaugh upon winning their fourth Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A Girls Soccer State Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Bill Hood, Assistant Coach Joshua Cavanaugh and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.