House Resolution 105

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLUMBIA ACADEMY LADY COUGARS SOFTBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2025 MAIS AAA SOUTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE 2025 MAIS AAA DIVISION 1 OVERALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, after blowing away the competition at the 2025 Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) AAA South State Championship, the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars Softball Team reigned supreme at the 2025 MAIS AAA Division 1 Overall State Championship, the perfect ending to a legendary season; and

WHEREAS, the team's championship run began at The Yards in Columbia, Mississippi, where the Lady Cougars achieved a shutout victory in the MAIS AAA South State Tournament with a dominant 4-0 performance; and

WHEREAS, after opening the tournament play with a commanding 13-3 triumph over Central Hinds Academy, the Lady Cougars delivered a strong 6-2 win against Amite School Center; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars continued their momentum with an impressive 11-1 victory over Bowling Green before once again defeating Amite School Center 10-3 to secure the MAIS AAA South State Championship title on their home field; and

WHEREAS, building on their success as they advanced to the tournament of champions, the Lady Cougars entered the MAIS AAA Division 1 State Championship Series ready to face Tri-County Academy in a best-of-three showdown; and

WHEREAS, Columbia Academy claimed Game One with a 5-2 victory, setting the tone for the series, and on October 11, 2025, the Lady Cougars clinched the series in Game Two with a thrilling 4-3 win, earning the state title; and

WHEREAS, as the first softball state championship victory in school history, this monumental achievement marks a defining moment for Columbia Academy athletics, and the determination, teamwork, resilience and championship mindset displayed by each team member throughout the season reflect the heart of the Lady Cougar program; and

WHEREAS, from South State dominance to finishing the job on MAIS softball's biggest stage, the Lady Cougars have set a new standard of excellence, and the key to this dynamic team's success has been the amazing team spirit and hours of diligent practice put in by student-athletes: Molly Sistrunk, Maggie Smith, Harley Herring, Macey Branch, Macie Wilks, Carlee Pounds, Taylor Berard, Lola Todd, Kate Fortenberry, Gracie Bounds, Jaycee Reagan, Lizzy Todd, Brooklyn Ladd, Sydnee McCain, Marley Smith, Rylee Freeman, Madisyn Berard, Rhyder Roach, Lillie Ginn, Joeli Williams and MB Polk, with the support of the team's manager, Merritt Wilks; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars have been superbly coached and led to victory by Head Coach Kyle Wilks, Assistant Coach Lyle Berard and Assistant Coach Todd Pounds, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the sport and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will surely carry the unforgettable memories they have made, as well as the lessons of sportsmanship, dedication and perseverance they have learned, throughout their lives as they remember the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars Softball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of young women, who have brought honor and inspiration to their school, their community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars Softball Team upon winning the 2025 MAIS AAA South State Championship and the 2025 MAIS AAA Division 1 Overall State Championship, and extend best wishes to the team for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars Softball Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.