House Resolution 104

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LAMAR ACADEMY "RAIDERS" GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH COURTNEY SCHIMELPFENING UPON WINNING THEIR FIRST MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, we join the students, coaches, parents and faculty at Lamar Academy in Meridian, Mississippi, in celebrating the "Raiders" girls volleyball team's first Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) 5A State Championship in program history; and

WHEREAS, on October 19, 2022, the Lamar Academy "Raiders" swept Simpson Academy in three sets to win the MAIS Division II 5A State Championship at Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, Lamar earned first-round bye in the start of the playoffs and then swept Madison St. Joe 3-0 to advance to the State Championship for the second year in a row; and

WHEREAS, after last year's loss in the State Championship, the "Raiders" theme for the 2022 season was all about redemption and getting back to the State Championship once again, rising above all of their 5A challengers to reign victorious in every single set played during the 2022 season, sweeping the "Cougars" twice regular and post season play, and winning all three sets in the championship series; and

WHEREAS, Seniors Harleigh Gray, Carley Rolison, Kaylee Brown and Ava Temple were the four seniors who helped carry this young "Raiders" team back to the State Championship, "working tirelessly, endlessly, constantly and consistently"; and

WHEREAS, the "Raiders" have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Courtney Schimelpfening and Assistant Coach Alex Schimelpfening, who have broadened their knowledge of the game, while refining their skills in execution, continuing the tradition of building upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays, as evidenced by the team's successful championship season; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 "Raiders" Championship roster is Ashby Woods, Emma Hale, Ella Temple, Kaylee Brown, Rylee Schimelpfening, Carley Rolison, Caroline Fruge, Ava Temple, Harleigh Gray, Emily Price, Mallory Smith, Sellers Breaux and Bailey Brook Mayatt; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student-athletes such as the Lamar Academy "Raiders" Girls 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Lamar Academy "Raiders" Girls Volleyball Team and Head Coach Courtney Schimelpfening for winning their first Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) 5A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents, and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Courtney Schimelpfening, the Lamar Academy Headmaster Leigh Ann Ballou and the Board of Trustees, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.