Senate Resolution 38

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE STONE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL "LADY CATS" SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH CARISSA HARRISON FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MHSAA 4A GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, on February 5, 2022, the Stone High School "Lady Cats" girls soccer team claimed its first MHSAA 4A Soccer State Championship in school history; and

WHEREAS, for Stone High School teammates and coaches alike, winning the 4A Girls Soccer State Championship Title was a dream come true; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Carissa Harrison had her heart set on making school history before she ever stepped into her leadership role at Stone High. "I have been playing competitive soccer since I was 13 years old. Since then, I have dreamed of going to a State Championship," Harrison said. "As a coach, it is a dream come true." But the road to the State Title is never easy, but rocky. Coaches had to navigate COVID-19 and quarantines while playing the long game for the experience; and

WHEREAS, both boys and girls teams made a pact to battle the biggest and best soccer schools on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to prepare each team for district rivals. The 6A and 5A team matchups started with difficulty, but Stone High began to beat even the larger teams. Harrison's husband, Patrick Harris, is the head coach for the boys' team. Both "Tomcats" and "Lady Cats" finished the season Division Champions; and

WHEREAS, before the girls began the State Championship game, there was a clear difference in the preparation and maturity between Stone High and New Albany. The extra preparation seemed to work. Before halftime, Stone was up 2-0 over New Albany; and

WHEREAS, senior Morgan Pickering picked up the first goal. Pickering was later named the game's Most Valuable Player for her offensive strategy on the field; and

WHEREAS, in the second half, players regularly collided as the teams amped up the energy. With 12 minutes left, Caroline Batson scored off an assist from Mary Grace Batson. With less than six minutes, "Lady Cat" Mary Grace Batson kicked a corner and scored on an assist from herself. She arced her kick over a line of New Albany defenders and scored. Not only did Stone win four to nothing, but the "Lady Cats" also dominated in defense and offense. Stone Goalie, Leah Capiola, only had to stop three shots; and

WHEREAS, the Stone defensive players never let another clear shot get past them. Assistant Coach Keith Kennedy said the defensive line worked overtime. "Our backline consisted of Lexi Conard, Torrance Rouchon, Arnesha Fairley and Aylesia Hartfield"; and

WHEREAS, in contrast, the "Lady Cats" racked up 28 shots. Coach Harrison said the team's secret to success is the team's family atmosphere. She hopes their win inspires other female athletes to strive for their goals; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 Lady Cats Championship roster is: Leah Capiola, Aylesia Hartfield, Kendall Jones, Jordan Cooper, Lainee Wilson, Aubrey Ladner, Nevaehlee Necaise, Briley Hines, Ava Vetter, Laney Harrell, Carissa Hester, Caroline Batson, Cadence Dickens, Jayla Powell, Jill Denham, Carey Williams, Baelyn Smith, Alexis Conard, Priya Collins, Mary Grace Batson, Anijah Mackey, Laila Bullen, Cela Strickland, Shelby Rader, MaLeah Smith and Mackenzie Lee; Head Coach, Carissa Harrison and Assistant Coaches Paul Macias and Tanner Nations; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes whose first state championship has 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 Stone County High School "Lady Cats" Soccer Team and Head Coach Carissa Harrison for winning their first MHSAA 4A Girls Soccer State Championship in school history, and extend to the players, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Carissa Harrison for the team, forwarded to Stone County Principal Adam Stone and the Stone County School Board and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.