Senate Concurrent Resolution 555

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE STONE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL "LADY CATS" SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH CARISSA HARRISON FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST 4A STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, we join the team, parents and fans of the Stone High School "Lady Cats" Soccer Team in celebrating the Girls 4A State Soccer Championship on February 5, 2022, held at Brandon. It was Head Coach Carissa Harrison and the Lady Cats' first State Title in school history; and

WHEREAS, for Stone High School teammates and coaches alike, winning the Girls 4A State Soccer Championship Title was a dream come true. Head Coach Carissa Harrison already had her heart set on making school history before she ever stepped into her leadership role at Stone High; and

WHEREAS, the road to the State Title was never easy. It was rocky. Coaches had to navigate COVID-19 illnesses and quarantines while playing the long game for the experience; and

WHEREAS, both boys and girls teams made a pact to battle the biggest and best soccer schools on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to prepare each team for district rivals. The 5A and 6A team matchups started difficult, but Stone High School began to defeat even the larger teams; and

WHEREAS, before the girls began the State Championship Game, there was a clear difference in the preparation and maturity between Stone High and New Albany. Before halftime, Stone was up 2-0 over New Albany. Senior Morgan Pickering picked up the first goal. Lady Cat Baelyn Smith kicked in a second goal. With 12 minutes left, Caroline Batson scored off an assist from Mary Grace Batson. With less than six minutes, Mary Grace Batson kicked a corner and scored on an assist from herself. She arced her kick over a line of New Albany defenders, and the ball went in. Assistant Coach Keith Kennedy said the defensive line worked overtime. The backline consisted of Lexi Conrad, Torrance Rouchon, Arnesha Fairley and Aylesia Hartfield; and

WHEREAS, Morgan Pickering was named the game's Most Valuable Player for her offensive strategy on the field. Caroline Batson was honored as the Team Scholar Athlete. To add to the prestige, players Lainey Cunningham and Kendall Burn became the first athletes in Stone High School history to be State Champions in more than one sport, thanks to a previous tennis state title; and

WHEREAS, Coach Harrison said the team's secret to success is the team's family atmosphere. Harrison said she hopes their win inspires other female athletes to strive for their goals; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 Stone County High School "Lady Cats" Girls Soccer Team Championship Roster is: Leah Capiola, Aylesia Hartfield, Lainey Cunningham, Nevaehlee Necaise, Ava Vetter, Carissa Hester, Laila Ladner, Caroline Batson, Kendall Burn, Laila Bullen, Jill Denham, Alana Sharp, Carey Williams, Baelyn Smith, Arnesha Fairley, Alexis Conrad, Priya Collins, Mary Grace Batson, Emily Smith, Shelby Rader, Torrance Rouchon, Morgan Pickering, Jayla Powell and Jordan Cooper; Head Coach Carissa Harrison; and Assistant Coach Keith Kennedy; 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 Stone County High School "Lady Cats" Soccer Team and Head Coach Carissa Harrison for winning their first 4A State Soccer Championship in school history, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Carissa Harrison for the team and Stone High School Principal Adam Stone, forwarded to the Stone County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.