MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2025 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Summers

House Resolution 30

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOFTBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2024 SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SWAC) CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Softball Team showcased remarkable athleticism, perseverance and team spirit by capturing the 2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament Championship in Gulfport, Mississippi, on Friday, May 10, 2024, with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Florida A&M University; and

     WHEREAS, this historic championship win marks the Lady Tigers' second overall SWAC Tournament title and their first since 2011, further solidifying Jackson State University's legacy of excellence in collegiate athletics; and

     WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers displayed dominant performances throughout the tournament, never trailing in the championship game after taking an early 1-0 lead in the first inning and maintaining control to secure the victory; and

     WHEREAS, the team's triumph was anchored by outstanding individual performances, including Jace Jackson, who was named the SWAC Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), as well as Mari Stephens, Julie Lopez, Ka'Liyah Gipson and Victoria Salazar, who were selected for the All-Tournament Team; and

     WHEREAS, Sofia Gonzalez delivered a commanding performance in the pitching circle, throwing a complete seven-inning game, allowing only one run on eight hits, with one walk and three strikeouts, to secure the win for Jackson State; and

     WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers' offensive power was driven by Kristina Carlson, who delivered an exceptional 3-for-3 performance at the plate with an RBI, along with notable contributions from Mari Stephens, who recorded a triple and Meah Almaraz, who added two hits; and

     WHEREAS, critical plays, including Jace Jackson's RBI single in the first inning, Kristina Carlson's clutch RBI hit in the fourth and Samiyyah Huckabee's bases-loaded walk in the sixth, helped seal Jackson State's victory over Florida A&M; and

     WHEREAS, under the exemplary leadership of Head Coach Kevin Montgomery, the Lady Tigers demonstrated unwavering determination, resilience and sportsmanship, overcoming adversity and setting a standard of excellence for future generations of Jackson State softball players; and

     WHEREAS, with this championship victory, Jackson State University earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, providing the Lady Tigers with the opportunity to represent their university and the State of Mississippi on the national stage; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the remarkable achievements of Mississippi's collegiate athletes, who bring pride and honor to their institutions and the state through their dedication, hard work and sportsmanship:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson State University Women's Softball Team upon winning the 2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship, extend best wishes for continued success in the NCAA Tournament and express appreciation for their outstanding representation of Jackson State University and the State of Mississippi.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Kevin Montgomery, the Jackson State University Women's Softball Team, the President of Jackson State University and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.