House Resolution 83

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH DANNY OWENS UPON WINNING THE 2018 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS WOMEN'S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the William Carey University Women's Soccer Team finished the 2018 season reigning victorious against Keiser University at the 2018 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women's Soccer National Championship for the first time in school history; and

WHEREAS, the team outpaced and overcame their opponents during the championship series, slaying the championship dreams of each of their foes on their way to the ultimate victory; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Keiser University, and during the game, the team and onlookers alike waited with bated breath until the final signal was made, and the team raised their well-deserved trophy high in the air and relished in their hard-fought victory; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals by individual players, the key to the team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work by the following talented student athletes: Abby Baravik, Sabrina Lang, Kelsay Himel, April Stewart, Valeria Miranda, Josefin Karlsson, Silvia Leonessi, Ana Paula Santos, Megan Williams, Taylor Gautreaux, Kelly Stubbington, Savanah Carter, Jamie Holifield, Alex Musial, Lovisa Kalling, Leticia Cupilille, Lillie Lightsey, Gabby Vincent, Bailey Clemens, Shantell Thompson, Caitlyn White, Rebeca Delgado, Sharain Cummings, Chrestine Nielson and Anni Rusanen; and

WHEREAS, the team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Danny Owens and Assistant Coaches Ryan Weir and Chloe Crook, who have broadened the players knowledge of the game, refined their skills in execution and helped them reach their fullest potential on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, Coach Owens continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays and the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student athletes, especially those such as the William Carey University Women's Soccer Team, whose athletic excellence brings honor 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 William Carey University Women's Soccer Team and Head Coach Danny Owens upon winning the 2018 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women's Soccer National Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Danny Owens and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.