Senate Resolution 29

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE COPIAH-LINCOLN COMMUNITY COLLEGE "LADY WOLVES" SOFTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2023 NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION II SOFTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the 2023 Copiah-Lincoln Community College "Lady Wolves" Softball Team reigned supreme, winning the 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Softball National Championship in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on May 27, 2023, the first National Championship win in school history in any sport; and

WHEREAS, striving to win with unparalleled motivation and determination, the "Lady Wolves" played their best during the championship, as their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the time they first walked onto that red, dusty diamond until the moment they were named champions; and

WHEREAS, outstandingly, the team earned its first number one ranking in program history in the NJCAA Division II Softball poll, and it finished the season with a program record for wins at 49-10 overall, in addition to winning the first NJCAA Region 23 Championship since 2008, at Jones College in Ellisville, Mississippi, on May 15, 2023, and it also finished the season with a Mississippi Association of Community College Conference (MACCC) record of 25-3; and

WHEREAS, the "Lady Wolves" statistics were impressive, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the true love they each possess for the game and the year-round hard work shown by each and every talented and distinguished player; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 Copiah-Lincoln Community College "Lady Wolves" Softball Team is comprised of the following outstanding student-athletes: sophomores, Maggie West, Belle West, Josie Meggs, Maddie Weeks, Elena Thompson, Laurel Breland, Faith Kivett, Skyler Speights, Julianna Frazier, Lila Blackburn and Lizzy Hollingsworth; and freshmen, Zykeria Cole, Laney Waguespack, Leia Phillips, Madison Moak, Kat Case, Cara Biswell, Sarah Grace Smith, Ellie Williamson, Bailee Goodson and Abby Grace Richardson; and

WHEREAS, the "Lady Wolves" have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Meleah Howard, and Assistant Coaches Amber Beall and Drake Flowers, who have broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills and execution; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Meleah Howard was named NJCAA Gulf A District "Coach of the Year," NJCAA Region 23 "Coach of the Year," and NJCAA National Championship "Coach of the Tournament"; and

WHEREAS, catcher Abby Grace Richardson was named the "Most Outstanding Offensive Player" and "Most Valuable Player" of the National Tournament, First Team All-MACCC, and NJCAA Third Team All-American; outfielder Madison Moak was named to the All-Tournament Team; pitcher Cara Biswell was named the "Most Outstanding Pitcher" of the National Tournament; and infielder Faith Kivett was named the "Most Outstanding Defensive Player"; and

WHEREAS, additionally, pitcher Cara Biswell, outfielder Madison Moak, infielder Maddie Weeks, catcher Abby Grace Richardson, and pitcher Belle West were all named NJCAA All-Region 23; and

WHEREAS, infielder Maddie Weeks, outfielder Madison Moak, and catcher Abby Grace Richardson were named First Team All-MACCC, and shortstop Faith Kivett and infielder Josie Meggs earned Second Team All-MACCC honors; and

WHEREAS, players Zykeria Cole, Josie Meggs, Madison Moak, Abby Grace Richardson, Sarah Grace Smith, Elena Thompson, Laney Waguespack and Maggie West were recognized as MACCC Distinguished Academic All-State; and Lila Blackburn, Laurel Breland, Kat Case, Julianna Frazier, Bailee Goodson, Lizzy Hollingsworth, Faith Kivett, Skyler Speights, Maddie Weeks, Belle West and Ellie Williamson were recognized as Academic All-MACCC; and

WHEREAS, Zykeria Cole was recognized as NJCAA All-Academic First Team; Josie Meggs, Madison Moak, Abby Grace Richardson, Sarah Grace Smith, Elena Thompson and Maggie West were recognized as NJCAA All-Academic Second Team; and Lila Blackburn, Julianna Frazier, Faith Kivett, Laney Waguespack, Maddie Weeks and Ellie Williamson were recognized as NJCAA All-Academic Third Team; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi's student-athletes, especially those such as the "Lady Wolves," whose hard work and dedication bring honor to Copiah-Lincoln Community College and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the 2023 Copiah-Lincoln Community College "Lady Wolves" Softball Team for winning the 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Softball National Championship, and extend best wishes to the team, Head Coach Meleah Howard and assistant coaches for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the 2023 Copiah-Lincoln Community College "Lady Wolves" Softball Team and made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.