House Concurrent Resolution 43

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE LADY RANGERS VOLLEYBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH ALLISON BURCHYETT FOR WINNING THE REGION 23 CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Lady Rangers Volleyball Team served a 3-0 victory to Pearl River Community College to win their first ever Region 23 Championship, and for the first time since taking the court three years ago, the Northwest volleyball program finished the regular season as the top overall seed in Region 23; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rangers, who had a superior season that was driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, intensely amplified all of their hard work, motivation and audacity, which were so apparent all through the season, for the three sets that ultimately rewarded them with the championship trophy, as they won the first set 25-22, followed by a 25-16 decision in the second set, and a 25-22 third-set win; and

WHEREAS, in their first season, the Lady Rangers earned the program's first victory in just their second match, and last fall, they earned 14 victories, and now, they are champions; and

WHEREAS, during the championship sets, freshman duo Cristen Cleveland and Kennedy Smith led the charge for Northwest, earning 12 kills a piece, and Cristen, also totaled three service aces, while Lia Ramos earned two; and

WHEREAS, Lia Ramos, a sophomore, also came away with a team-high 21 assists, followed by 14 from Hailey Stephens, and Kayla Beal had 12 digs for the team high, followed by Cristen's 10 digs, and Lia's nine digs of her own; and

WHEREAS, after securing the Region 23 victory, Northwest went on to represent Region 23 in the next stage of postseason competition, the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA)/National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Gulf District Tournament in Palatka, Florida; and

WHEREAS, in addition to their numerous volleyball accolades, the Lady Rangers Volleyball Team also excels in the classroom, as they are one of five northwest teams earning Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) Academic Team of the Year Awards with a 3.72 Team GPA, and Northwest was one of only nine NJCAA Division II programs to receive a team academic award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association, making them the only representative from Region 23 to earn the award for the second year in a row; and

WHEREAS, the team finished their season with an excellent final record, and there were amazing spikes, serves and saves by individual players, but the key to the team's success each year has been the amazing team spirit and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Volleyball Team is comprised of the following talented women: Kaley Rikard of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Cristen Cleveland of Hernando, Mississippi; Kayla Beal of Southaven, Mississippi; Brinley Steed of Olive Branch, Mississippi; De'Aisha Browner of Pontotoc, Mississippi; Amelia Perkins of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Kennedy Smith of Southaven, Mississippi; Macy Woods of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Hailey Stephens of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Micah Swift of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Lia Ramos of Daphne, Alabama; Emma Norman of Arlington, Tennessee; Kailey Gooch of Oxford, Mississippi; Caroline Howard, of Pontotoc, Mississippi; Jacia Hayes of Pearl, Mississippi; and Macye Morgan of Southaven, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rangers were led to victory by Allison Burchyett, Head Coach; Ruth Ann Gammell and Candace Davenport, Volunteer Assistants; Justin Ware and Taylor Young, Athletic Trainers; Jake Gordon, Athletic Director; Liesl Mote, Athletic Academic Advisor; Randall Pharr, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach; Brian Lentz, Sports Information Director; Brian Oakley, Assistant Sports Information Director; and Dr. Michael Heindl, President; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Burchyett has superbly coached and inspired the Northwest Mississippi Community College Volleyball Team and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and she 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 her ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor the achievements of student-athletes such as the Northwest Mississippi Community College Volleyball Team, who have brought honor to their school, their community, and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Northwest Mississippi Community College Lady Rangers Volleyball Team and Head Coach Allison Burchyett for winning the Region 23 Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future athletic and academic endeavors.

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