Senate Concurrent Resolution 597

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL "COUGARS" GIRLS SOCCER TEAM AND COACH DEAN JOSEPH FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MHSAA CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, in its last chance at the Class 6A State Championship match, Northwest Rankin Coach Dean Joseph sent everyone toward the net on a free kick in the final two minutes on February 4, 2017. And it worked - midfielder Abbi Russell found herself alone at the right side of the net as the free kick from 40 yards out volleyed over the line of defense, and Russell banged home a shot to send the Class 6A Championship Game against Ocean Springs into overtime. Five minutes into the overtime period, Alyssia Davis scored the go-ahead goal to win the game 2-1 and the Cougars won its first State Championship; and

WHEREAS, Northwest Rankin (21-2) players and coaches said they were not a stranger to having to come from behind. "We did the same thing against Madison Central twice," Coach Dean Joseph said. "To do so on this stage, and one completely foreign to a young Cougars team was something else." Coach Joseph finished his first year at Northwest Rankin; and

WHEREAS, "This season belonged to Northwest Rankin," said Northwest Rankin Boys Coach Chris Gardner. "It's history-making. It was the girls' first time here and they won, and we were able to follow it up. The boys and girls work in conjunction. They train at a lot of the same times, we share meals and have the same goals. It's really special for all of us to do it on the same night." The Northwest Rankin Girls Soccer Team advanced to the MHSAA 6A State Championship with a 2-1 Overtime win over Madison Central. The girls entered the State Championship Game with a 20-2 record and a No. 1 ranking in the state; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 Lady Cougars Roster is: Sarah Gilliland, GK; Carly Williams, GK, D; Mallory Tapper, D; Anna Kate Wilson, D, MF; Marisa Saunders, MF, FORW, D; Alyssia Davis, FORW; Bella Swan, MF; Holly Trisdale, D; Abbi Russell (C), D, MF; Kelsey Bayles, MF, D; Taylor Collum (C), MF; Olivia Crothers, MF, FORW; Kelby Zendejas, D, FORW; Karson Harper, FORW, MF; Jaelyn Hanson, FORW; Lindsey Stephenson (C), FORW, MF, D; Molly Ford, FORW; Abbi Ashley, MF, FORW; Maddie Faulkner, MF; Malika Verma, FORW, MF; Brooke Hafler, MF, D; Katelyn Williams, MF, FORW; and Courtney Head, D; Head Coach Dean Joseph; Junior Varsity Head Coach/Assistant Coach Trey Banks; Goalkeeper Coach Kelly McGinnis; and Assistant Coach Carli Little; 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, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Northwest Rankin High School "Cougars" Girls Soccer Team and Coach Dean Joseph for winning their first MHSAA Class 6A State Championship, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Dean Joseph and Head Principal Ben Stein for the team, forwarded to the Rankin County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.