MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Lamar

House Concurrent Resolution 41

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOFTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CHELSEA BRAMLETT FOR THEIR HISTORIC SEASON AND OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

     WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Softball Team had a historic year, capturing the program's first bid into the NJCAA Division II Championship tournament, and as the Rangers were far from satisfied heading into the Region 23 Tournament championship match with LSU Eunice, the team made history once more, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to pull out a 9-2 win against the Bengals, claiming the program's first-ever Region 23 title; and

     WHEREAS, five Northwest teams were recognized as MACCC Academic Teams of the Year, and leading the way with the highest overall GPA for all sports was the Rangers softball team, which recorded a 3.73 grade point average, and it is the first Academic Team of the Year award for softball under Head Coach Chelsea Bramlett's three-year tenure; and

     WHEREAS, for the last two seasons, the Northwest softball record books have been rewritten across the board thanks to arguably the most dominant sophomore class in program history, and

Coach Bramlett's group has accounted for 59 victories over the past two seasons, including two appearances into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament, and Northwest also concluded the 2022 season with a 39-15 overall record, the most victories recorded in a single season; and

     WHEREAS, the Rangers finished the year as Region 23 champions, and as one of the final four teams left in the NJCAA Division II Softball Championship tournament, an event that started with 16 teams; and

     WHEREAS, after breaking the program's single-season and career stolen base records this season, Northwest sophomore speedster Laila Armstrong can add another honor to her collection, as she has been chosen as this year's NJCAA Division II recipient of the New Balance-NFCA Golden Shoe Award, which is given to the nation's best base stealer from an NFCA member institution; and

     WHEREAS, infielder Caylee Comer, catcher Molly Harris and outfielder Saige Koczka earned all-tournament recognition, as announced by the NJCAA, and out of 16 teams in the tournament field, the trio were among just 13 players selected for the postseason honor; and

     WHEREAS, Head Coach Chelsea Bramlett was recognized as the NJCAA Gulf A District (Region 23) Coach of the Year, and was presented with the award during the NJCAA Division II Softball Championship banquet at Talladega Superspeedway, and it is the first Coach of the Year award for Coach Bramlett, who has guided the softball program to new heights during her young tenure at Northwest, and in just three seasons, she has compiled a 63-37 overall record, good for a .630 winning percentage, and has also guided the Rangers to its deepest postseason run ever, which included the first NJCAA Region 23 championship; and

     WHEREAS, the exceptional Northwest team consisted of Haleigh Buchanan of Tunica, Mississippi; Laila Armstrong of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Kylee Brown of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; Meredith Owen of Covington, Tennessee; Anna Nickens of Senatobia, Mississippi; Reese Vanlandingham of Guntown, Mississippi; Bailey Russell of Batesville, Mississippi; Gracie Mettetal of Sardis, Mississippi; Molly Harris of Senatobia, Mississippi; Maddie Brower of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Saige Koczka of Southaven, Mississippi; Jaclyn Carter of Hernando, Mississippi; Meagan Allen of Lepanto, Arkansas; Kylie Gurley of Potts Camp, Mississippi; Caylee Comer of Brighton, Tennessee; Maggie Brubbs of Hernando, Mississippi; Randi Johnson of Booneville, Mississippi; Gabby Dickerson of Olive Branch, Mississippi; McKayee Polk of Senatobia, Mississippi; and Kaitlyn Bednarek of Olive Branch, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, Northwest Softball staff consisted of Head Coach, Chelsea Bramlett; Assistant Coach, Dustin Young;  Athletic Trainer, Amber Thomas; Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Randall Pharr; Athletic Director, Jake Gordon; Athletic Academic Advisor, Liesl Mote; Sports Information Director, Brian Lentz; Assistant Sports Information Director, Brian Oakley; and President, Dr. Michael Heindl; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that this Legislature recognizes the Northwest Mississippi Community College Softball Team and Head Coach Chelsea Bramlett, who have brought honor to Northwest Mississippi Community College and to 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 recognize and commend the Northwest Mississippi Community College Softball Team and Head Coach Chelsea Bramlett for their historic season and outstanding accomplishments, and express most sincere wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

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