House Resolution 64

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HARTFIELD ACADEMY SOFTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH BROOKE GORDON UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 Hartfield Academy Softball Team clinched a well-deserved victory when they swept through the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) State Tournament undefeated seven-game streak to win the 2023 MAIS State Softball Championship after erasing a five-run deficit in the final game of the three-game series against Jackson Prep; and

WHEREAS, similar to the agile, ferocious birds of prey for which they are named, the Lady Hawks softball team, appearing in their eighth consecutive state playoff, finished their season with a 21-9 record, going 9-1 in conference play, wielded its exceptionally powerful bite, severing the state championship dreams of each of their opponents in the state playoffs; and

WHEREAS, striving to win with unparalleled motivation and ardent determination, the Lady Hawks embraced a champion's mentality as their stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first walked onto that red, dusty diamond until the last out was made, soaring to the pinnacle of excellence and mounting the summit of tournament play as state champions; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Hawks' team statistics were impressive, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant selfless atmosphere, the true love they each possess for the game, and the year-round hard work by each and every talented and distinguished player, including: Heidi Moore, Ana Campbell Singletary, Caroline Cronin, Faith Tillery, Carson Smith,

Addyson "Roo" Roberts, Aleigh Newman, Braxtyn Jones, Addyson Adams, Raegan Huber, Shamya Williams, Kyleigh Seymour, Brelyn "Bre" Wright and Cambrie Barnard; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Todd Aultman and Assistant Coaches Julie McKinney and Brooke Fagan have not only superbly coached and inspired the Lady Hawks but also broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Lady Hawks have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches, bringing honor to Hartfield Academy; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Hartfield Academy Softball Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom bring 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 Hartfield Academy Softball Team and Head Coach Todd Aultman upon winning the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Softball State Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Todd Aultman on behalf of the team, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.