Senate Resolution 70

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SUMRALL HIGH SCHOOL "LADY BOBCATS" GIRLS SOCCER TEAM AND COACH TODD SIDERS FOR WINNING ITS FIRST MHSAA CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, after 80 minutes of regulation and another 19:30 of overtime on March 9, 2024, the opportunity came for the Sumrall High School "Lady Bobcats" Soccer Team. With 29.6 seconds left in the second overtime period of the Class 4A Girls Soccer State Championship, junior midfielder Addie Siders faced a free kick; and

WHEREAS, "I just took a deep breath," Siders said. She knocked it through, delivering the go-ahead goal in the "Lady Bobcats'" 2-1 win over West Lauderdale to capture the program's first 4A State Title. Sumrall Head Coach Todd Siders said he was proud of his niece who has committed to Southern Miss; and

WHEREAS, Sumrall finished the season with a record of 23-3-1. Coach Todd Siders noted the 23 wins Sumrall finished with to represent the 23 players on the roster; and

WHEREAS, starting the school's soccer program in 2015, Coach Todd Siders knew a state title was always the end goal. "Every girl that's put on this uniform, this is for them," Coach Todd Siders said. "We've had so many special players, they all belong to a part of this. It's a great day, great for our program, great soccer game, but we want to keep them pushing forward and make a difference in life"; and

WHEREAS, the Sumrall High School "Lady Bobcats" Girls Soccer Championship Team Roster: Reese Johnson, Darby G. Ford, Rylee Kirkland, Walker Rodney, Laila Kitchens, Addie Siders, Rhen Johnson, Ashton Stringfellow, Presley Kirkland, Claire Cochran, Rosie Curtis, Maggie Cochran, Natalie Nesler, Chloe Freeman, Harper Watts, Alyse May, Saniya Thompson, Taylor Sinclair, Trinity Stokes, Dakota McClelland, Jaeda Goar, Claira Bella Miley, Caroline Siders and Adam Bailey; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Sumrall High School "Lady Bobcats" Girls Soccer Team and Coach Todd Siders for winning its first MHSAA Class 4A State Championship, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Todd Siders and Sumrall Principal Matt Thomas for the team, forwarded to the Sumrall School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.