Senate Resolution 73

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS "LADY COUGARS" SOCCER TEAM AND COACH CARLI LITTLE FOR WINNING THE 2024 MHSAA CLASS 7A SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Northwest Rankin "Lady Cougars" are back on top of the Mississippi soccer world. It took some late game-heroics from senior Allie Sifford and junior Kate Gray Nesbit, but on February 18, 2024, the Northwest Rankin High School "Lady Cougars" held on for a 2-1 win over the defending champion Clinton "Arrows" to clinch the 2024 MHSAA 7A Soccer Title; and

WHEREAS, after a scoreless first half, Allie Sifford broke the 0-0 tie with a goal from 18 yards out in the 65th minute. Tyler Grace Sims launched a perfect lob pass, and Sifford touched it once with her left foot past a diving Clinton keeper. The second goal came just five minutes later. Sidney Clare Sing raced down the home sideline and sent a beautiful pass into the middle, just quick enough for Nesbit to squeeze off a shot between two Clinton defenders; and

WHEREAS, that goal sent the Northwest Rankin sideline into pandemonium with just 10 minutes left on the clock. The celebration was short-lived, however, as Clinton's Isabella Jones scorched home a goal moments later to trim the Nortwest Rankin lead to 2-1. But the "Lady Cougars" (25-1-1) held on from there, and ended the night hoisting a golden ball trophy for the second time in three years; and

WHEREAS, "This one is right up there (with our other championships)," Northwest Rankin Coach Carli Little said. "We had a lot of adversity, a lot of major injuries, so it's special. This team has really come together. They are such a family, and it just means more when you are playing for your sisters out there."; and

WHEREAS, Allie Sifford earned MVP honors. She was one of five seniors who helped the "Cougars" win a championship two years ago and finished their high school career with a second victory; and

WHEREAS, the Northwest Rankin Girls Soccer Roster 2024 Class 7A Championship Roster; Allie Sifford, Aly Vancor, Kaylee Ott, Cameron Sistrunk, Savannah Jordan, Ashlyn Dodd, Tyler Grace Sims, Grace Harmon, Jayden Newman, Emery Norsworthy, Myla Thortis, Sarah Kate Foreman, Kate Gray Nesbit, Sidney Clare Sing, Carson Webb, Izzy Smith, Kinsey Horton, Emily Dixon, Crissi Tenner, Chloe Horton, Parker Morris, Delilah Roberts, Anna Claire Sherman, Ava Rogers, Zoey Brown, Madeleine Martinez, Katie Hennington, Marley Oubre, Sybil Glover, Hadlee Mooney, Kalyn Oubre, Keelan Boston, Amiyah Barnes, Rylee Shaw, Emma Alexander, Zoe Cross, McKinley Drennan, Presley Rainer, Cailey Smith, Aubrey Harmon, Allie Carpenter, AP Smith, Lillian Harley, Caitlin Massey, Peyton Smith, Bella Hogan, Katie Sasser, Madilyn Holley and Coach Carli Little; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these 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 Northwest Rankin High School Girls "Lady Cougars" Soccer Team and Coach Carli Little for winning the 2024 MHSAA Class 7A Soccer Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents, faculty and sponsors our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Carli Little and Northwest Rankin Principal Lewis Bradford for the team, forwarded to the Rankin County Board of Education and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.