House Resolution 136

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2023 JACKSON ACADEMY LADY RAIDERS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH PHILLIP BUFFINGTON UPON WINNING THE MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS CLASS 6A SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Jackson Academy Lady Raiders Soccer Team finished the 2023 season with their second state title in three years and sixth overall when they reigned victorious at the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class 6A Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Raiders Soccer Team's overall record was 13-6 with a conference record of 7-3, and they finished the season by winning seven straight games; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Lady Raiders Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered their rival, Jackson Prep, with a 2-1 victory that brought the trophy back to Jackson Academy; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Jackson Academy Girls Soccer Team, who are bursting with wit and athleticism, faced off with some of the state's best contenders on the pitch, but persevered to make their presence and talent known as the gladiators and invincible champions of MAIS girls' soccer; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 Lady Raiders team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson Academy Lady Raiders Soccer Team is comprised of the following athletes: Kate Boyll, Anderson Ueltschey, Madi Brewer, Caroline Wier, Mylee Maurer, Leta Decker,

Anna Adkins, Avery Kobs, Ella King, DeDe Miller, Harper Griffin, Izzy Scott, Natalie Roberson, Olivia Salvo, Avery Pickering, Logan Burger, Harkins Simpson, Emae Hosey, Mary Madison New, Aubrey Edmonson, Caroline Quin, Ava Antonaros, Natalie Reedy, Ebbie Barbour, Rosemary Adams, Dallys Alexander, Gracelyn Carmichael and Isabel Russell, and team captains were Avery Kobs and Anna Adkins; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Raiders have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Phillip Buffington and Assistant Coach Brandon Richardson, who have broadened the Lady Raiders' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Buffington and Assistant Coach Richardson continue 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 their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and the team's successful season; 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 Jackson Academy Lady Raiders Soccer Team, whose excellence on the field brings honor to their school, their community and 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 2023 Jackson Academy Lady Raiders Soccer Team and Head Coach Phillip Buffington upon winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Class 6A Soccer State 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 Phillip Buffington, Assistant Coach Brandon Richardson, Jackson Academy Athletic Director Brandt Walker and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.