UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 11/19/1812 REG. SESS.12 RS BR 2109

A RESOLUTION honoring the University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball team upon the completion of a successful season in which they advanced to the 2012 NCAA Elite Eight.

WHEREAS, the 2011-2012 University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball team, colloquially referred to as UK Hoops, recently completed their season with a record of 28 wins against seven losses; and

WHEREAS, after completing a non-conference record of 11-2 that included a 72-65 victory over the nationally ranked Duke Blue Devils at Rupp Arena and a victory over in-state rival Louisville, UK Hoops boasted a Southeastern Conference record of 13-3, defeating Mississippi State in the regular season finale to clinch their first outright SEC title since 1982; and

WHEREAS, UK Hoops were unbeatable at home this season, completing a perfect 18-0 record at Memorial Coliseum and Rupp Arena in front of thousands of fans who passionately followed and supported the team on its journey, and was the SEC winner of the annual "Pack the House" challenge to promote attendance at women's basketball games; and

WHEREAS, for their impressive record in the regular season UK Hoops were awarded their school-record third consecutive NCAA tournament berth and given a two seed in the Kingston Regional; and

WHEREAS, UK Hoops defeated McNeese State, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Gonzaga to reach the Elite Eight where they squared off against national powerhouse and number one seed Connecticut; and

WHEREAS, despite a valiant effort, UK Hoops were defeated in the Regional Finals, a result that certainly doesn’t diminish the most impressive and historic season in UK women’s basketball history; and

WHEREAS, UK Hoops were led by junior A’dia Mathies, who received a number of prestigious awards, including SEC Player of the Year, SEC All-Defensive Team, 1st Team All-SEC, and was chosen as a finalist for four national player of the year awards: the Naismith Award, John R. Wooden Award, Wade Trophy, and USBWA Women’s Player of the Year; and

WHEREAS, UK Hoops presented a strong rotation of players, including seniors Amber Smith and Keyla Snowden, junior Brittany Henderson, sophomores Kastine Evans, Bernisha Pinkett, Samantha Drake and Samarie Walker, and SEC Freshman of the Year Bria Goss; and

WHEREAS, other members of the 2011-2012 University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball team included Crystal Riley, Jennifer O’Neill, Maegan Conwright, Azia Bishop, and Bra’Shey Ali; and

WHEREAS, UK Hoops were guided by Head Coach Matthew Mitchell, who in his 5th season with the team was selected as the SEC Coach of the Year for a second time and has moved up to fourth place in all-time wins at UK; and

WHEREAS, Coach Matthew Mitchell surrounded the UK Hoops with a stellar coaching staff that included Associate Head Coach Kyra Elzy and Assistant Coaches Matt Insell and Shalon Pillow; and

WHEREAS, the 2011-2012 University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball team thrilled fans across the Commonwealth, proudly carried on the tradition of the program, and will always be remembered for their hard work, determination, and accomplishments;

NOW, THEREFORE,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Section 1. The members of this Honorable Body, both individually and collectively, do hereby applaud the University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball team and Head Coach Matthew Mitchell for their accomplishments during this historic season, and wish the team and all the players and coaches good fortune in all future endeavors.

Section 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall transmit a copy of this Resolution to Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo for presentation to the team.

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