House Concurrent Resolution 56

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2024-2025 NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON.

WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Women's Soccer Team has consistently exemplified excellence, leadership, and sportsmanship on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, the team's unparalleled skill, endurance, and teamwork throughout the 2024 season culminated in a 6-0 victory against Copiah-Lincoln, which secured the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACCC) Championship, marking their second consecutive conference title and earning the National Community and Junior College Athletic Association (NCJAA) Region 23 Tournament Championship; and

WHEREAS, the dominant performance by the Lady Rangers this season, which included an undefeated conference record of 11-0 and an overall record of 22-0, underscores their remarkable consistency and commitment to achieving success in collegiate soccer; and

WHEREAS, this incredible achievement secures the legacy of the Lady Rangers as the first NJCAA Division II program to win a national title and finish the season without a loss since Phoenix College accomplished the feat in 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rangers have reached exceptional heights under the expert guidance of Head Coach James Beattie, who recently became the program's all-time winningest coach with his 70th career victory (79-13-4), surpassing the career record of former coach Peter Jarjoura and setting a new standard for the program; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rangers have produced extraordinary individual performances, with players such as Emma Jensen, who scored 22 goals in the season, Allie Reed Greer, Molly Thompson, and Caroline Hamm lending their unique abilities to this flawlessly unified team and contributing significantly to the team's overall success through their exceptional athleticism and leadership on the field; and

WHEREAS, the team's offensive prowess and defensive strength

were on full display throughout the season, illustrated by their eight shutout victories and a particularly impressive 9-1 win at East Mississippi, the game that cemented their place at the top of the conference standings and further demonstrated the effectiveness of their strategic play and teamwork; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rangers achieved the first No. 1 ranking in the NJCAA Preseason Poll in program history, doing so without a single loss, which further speaks to their reputation as one of the premier teams in the country and reflects the hard work, dedication, and determination of every player and coach associated with the program; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rangers have demonstrated steadfast leadership, academic integrity, and sportsmanship, serving as role models for future generations of athletes and reflecting the values of Northwest Mississippi Community College; and

WHEREAS, the remarkable triumph of the Lady Rangers this season represents the spirit of excellence that Northwest Mississippi Community College upholds in all of its programs, from academics to athletics; and

WHEREAS, the team's tremendous achievements are a testament not only to their own effort and talent but also to the vigorous support they receive from their college, coaches, families, and fans, who have all contributed to their continued success; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi's student-athletes, especially those such as the Northwest Mississippi Community College Women's Soccer Team, whose aptitude on the field and in the classroom brings pride and honor to their school, their community, and the State of Mississippi and serves as an inspiring example of athleticism, perseverance, and commitment to the pursuit of greatness in both sport and life:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Northwest Mississippi Community College Women's Soccer Team for their outstanding performance, unprecedented success, and incredible achievement in securing the 2024 MACCC Championship and completing a perfect season.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Northwest Community College Lady Rangers Women's Soccer Team Head Coach James Beattie and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.