Senate Resolution 27

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER TEAM AND COACH BILL HOOD FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MHSAA CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

WHEREAS, on February 5, 2022, the Florence High School Girls Soccer Team made history. Behind a strong second-half offensive attack, the Lady Eagles held off Lafayette 3-2 to claim the Mississippi High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship at Brandon's Bulldog Stadium; and

WHEREAS, the title was Florence's first State Title in 5A and second-straight soccer State Championship after winning Class 4A a year ago. It was the school's sixth State Soccer Title overall; and

WHEREAS, "I told the girls to settle down and play our game," Florence Coach Bill Hood said. "Second half, we played like we should've (from the start) and we were able to hold them off at the end. It was a typically nervous State Championship Game between two really good teams, and we're fortunate we came out on top"; and

WHEREAS, "Lafayette pushed us to the very end. They pressed us and we had to deal with it, and they were tough," Coach Hood said. "Shae has been a starter since the seventh grade and has progressed each year and it's been fantastic to watch her get better and grow." Florence extended their lead to 3-1 as Addie Grace Barnard scored off a corner kick with just over 27 minutes left in the second half; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 Florence Girls Soccer Championship Team Roster is: Skyla Yount, Addison Grantham, Meagan Spencer, Addie Grace Barnard, Madelyn Edwards, Kailee Lilley, Ashlyn Starnes, Christina Guzman, Kylee Cloer, Ella Grace Sanford, Emma Marchant, Cameron Cloer, Rylee Raymond, Sydney O'Hair, Leslie Carroll, Kendal Patterson, Caroline Sanford, Mary Elise Taylor, Rachel Parr, Kamryn Frazier, Shaelynn Quick and Breeanna Goza; Head Coach Bill Hood; and Assistant Coach Joshua Cavanaugh; 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Florence High School Girls Soccer Team and Coach Bill Hood for winning their first MHSAA Class 5A State Championship Title, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Bill Hood, forwarded to Florence High School Principal Dr. Roderick D. Sheppard and the Rankin County School Board, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.