House Resolution 46

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ST. ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL LADY SAINTS SOCCER TEAM, HEAD COACH WILL MONSOUR AND ASSISTANT COACH IAN "JAMBO" JAMES UPON WINNING THE 2019-2020 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 1A/2A/3A GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the St. Andrew's Episcopal School Lady Saints Soccer Team finished the 2019-2020 season with their first state title in 11 years when they reigned victorious against the four-year, reigning champion Sacred Heart Catholic School at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 1A/2A/3A Girls Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Saints team outpaced and overcame their opponents in all facets of the game, leading up to, and beyond their championship victory; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and incredible fortitude, the Lady Saints outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Sacred Heart; and

WHEREAS, before, during and after the championship game, the St. Andrew's team and onlookers alike, knew from the opening kick to the final goal, that the Lady Saints would be victorious; and

WHEREAS, as they raised their well-deserved trophy high in the air and relished in their superior play, and errorless victory, they truly embraced the fact that they were the best team; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive in their own right as evidenced by a record of 22-1-0, allowing 11 points from over 368 shots on goal, would enhance the culmination of 23 victories, 17 of these wins came in shutouts with over half being shortened under the "mercy rule," and amassing an impressive, if not unequaled, 136 goals against all of their opponents; and

WHEREAS, although the Lady Saints can boast of players who have set personal bests and several with national recognition, all players, regardless of such honors, united in a team effort through outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals, and acted in an amazing defense to prevent the same against their team; and

WHEREAS, the impressive and dedicated ladies of the St. Andrew's Episcopal School Lady Saints Soccer Team include: Ella Banck, Kate Simms, Kira Leflore, Mirren Viola, Phoebe Xu, Madeleine Halford, Caroline Croft, Sarah Elizabeth Sullivan, Kate Rodenmeyer, Gabriella Fraser, Samantha Smith, Toni Oluwatade, Hadley Simms, Mary Reagan Barnett, Madison Williams, Allison Santa-Cruz, Macon Ogburn, Anna Maria Martin, Amelia McCaughan, Sarah Belk Poulson, Ashley McCaughan, Caitlyn Blackwell, Ivy Alley, Celia Lane, managers, Emerson Boone and Madison Jones; and

WHEREAS, the key to the Lady Saints' consistent success has been the unfailing team atmosphere and year-round hard work of the players along with the superb coaching by Head Coach Will Monsour, and his assistant, Ian "Jambo" James, who collectively broadened the team's knowledge of the game, refined their skills in execution, and helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, Coach Monsour and his assistant, continue to build upon the legacy of superior play, and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious, and undaunted spirit of each team member, who have an ability to produce high caliber players and play schematics that were executed in a manner that propelled the team's phenomenal season; and

WHEREAS, they have also been faithfully supported in their efforts by team managers, Emerson Boone and Madison Jones, and the team mom, Stephanie Poulson; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the St. Andrew's Episcopal School Lady Saints Soccer Team, whose excellence brings lasting honor to their school, the Capital Metro 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 St. Andrews's Episcopal School Lady Saints Soccer Team, Head Coach Will Monsour and Assistant Coach Ian "Jambo" James upon winning the 2019-2020 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A/2A/3A Girls Soccer State Championship, and wish them much continued success.  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Will Monsour, Assistant Coach Ian "Jambo" James, the players of the team, the Head of St. Andrew's Episcopal School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.  