Senate Resolution 50

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING LEGENDARY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH ROSEMARIE WASHINGTON FOR BEING NAMED 2023 SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP COACH OF THE YEAR AND COMMENDING HER CHAMPIONSHIP TRADITION ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, synonymous with success in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Jackson State University (JSU) alum Rosemarie Washington is in her third decade leading the Jackson State "Lady Tigers" Volleyball. Now in her 22nd season as Head Coach, Washington is one of the premiere coaches in the nation as she continues to build her program on discipline, dedication, hard work and the ability to teach and develop student-athletes. Coach Washington has made her program one of the most successful in the Southwestern Athletic Conference; and

WHEREAS, the "Lady Tigers" won the regular season SWAC Championship in both the Spring 2021 season and the Fall 2021 season, winning the program's fourth conference tournament crown in March 2021 and finishing as runners-up in November 2021. JSU made its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in April 2021, and advanced to the National Invitational Volleyball Tournament in December 2021; and

WHEREAS, the championship tradition began in 2011 when the "Lady Tigers" won their first Southwestern Athletic Conference title and made their first trip to the NCAA Tournament. They carried their 2011 success into 2012, picking up their second SWAC title and an additional NCAA Tournament appearance. The "Lady Tigers" repeated the feat for a third time during the 2016 season for a third title and NCAA Tournament appearance. Coach Washington also received the honor of being named SWAC 2011, 2012, and 2016 "Volleyball Coach of the Year"; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her coaching duties, Coach Washington has served the JSU Division of Athletics in other capacities. From 2009-2011, she served as the Assistant Athletic Director of Internal Affairs, where she oversaw athletic administrative assistants, secretaries, facilities and athletic trainers. She was a member of the JSU APR Task Force from 2010-2012 and the Jackson State Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee from 2009-present. She served on the Southwestern Athletic Conference Strategic Planning Committee (2014-present), the AVCA Division I Volleyball Coaches Committee (2011-2016) and the NCAA Division I Regional Selection Committee (2002-2005, 2011-2015); and

WHEREAS, Coach Washington is a 1977 graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. She served as the "Lady Tigers" graduate assistant from 1978 to 1980 while earning her master's in Health and Physical Education. During her two seasons with JSU, she helped establish a successful club team. In 1980, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve as the Southern University Head Volleyball Coach for two seasons; and

WHEREAS, before her return to JSU, Rose Washington lived in Los Angeles for 18 years, where she operated her own business. She also volunteered as a coach in the youth recreational volleyball and basketball leagues. A native of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Washington was a four-sport athlete before attending JSU. She represented the Virgin Islands on numerous all-star basketball, volleyball and softball teams, and ran track; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join the JSU community in acknowledging the athletic excellence of a mentor and coach who has brought honor to her university, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize outstanding Jackson State University Head Volleyball Coach Rosemarie Washington for being named 2023 SWAC Championship Coach of the Year, commend her Championship tradition, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate for future success on the occasion of her retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Rose Washington, forwarded to the President of Jackson State University and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.