WHEREAS, the Virginia Wesleyan University softball team won the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III championship at Moyer Park in Salem on June 1, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Wesleyan University Marlins defeated the Texan Lutheran University Bulldogs by a score of 9-1 to bring home the program's third title in the last four seasons and finish the season with an impressive 46-6-1 record; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins jumped to a two-run lead in the first inning and never trailed, posting an additional three runs in both the third and fourth innings, and a final run in the fifth inning; and

WHEREAS, the exceptional play of the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins was recognized with several players making the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Championship all-tournament team, including Katelyn Biando; Ariana Rolle; Julia Sinnett; Jessica Goldyn, who was named most outstanding player; and Hanna Hull, who was named most outstanding pitcher; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins saw three players earn places in the NCAA record books this season, including Hanna Hull, who holds the all-time record for most wins as a pitcher with 132; Jessica Goldyn, who holds the single-season record for stolen bases with 73; and Madison Glaubke, who holds the all-time record for most games played with 221; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to its recent streak of dominance, the Virginia Wesleyan softball program has not had back-to-back losses since the 2019 NCAA regional tournament in Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, the success of the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins is the result of the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, the leadership and guidance of their coaches and professors, and the unwavering support of the entire Virginia Wesleyan University community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Virginia Wesleyan University softball team hereby be commended for winning the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III championship; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Brandon Elliott, coach of the Virginia Wesleyan University softball team, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the team's achievement.