TITLE: Congratulating Taylor Jones of The University of Texas at Austin women's basketball team on being named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Taylor Jones of The University of Texas at Austin women's basketball team on being named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Forney native Taylor Jones of The University of Texas at Austin women's basketball team was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week on January 28, 2025, providing a fitting opportunity to recognize her many achievements; and WHEREAS, A sixth-year senior, Ms. Jones was instrumental in the Longhorns' 80-76 win over the University of Tennessee on January 23, recording her sixth double-double of the year with 21 points and a season-high 14 rebounds; she followed up that performance on January 26 at the University of Mississippi, igniting UT's offense in the fourth quarter with her clutch play that produced 10 of her 24 points; her jump shot with two minutes left tied the game, helping UT to clinch an impressive 61-58 victory; she also corralled six rebounds and blocked three shots; and WHEREAS, First gaining acclaim at Dallas Christian School, Ms. Jones led her team to a pair of state titles and was a two-time District Most Valuable Player; a five-star recruit, she tallied a double-double each game of her senior season and finished her high school career with more than 2,000 points; moreover, she garnered two Adidas All-American and three All-Texas selections as well as National Defensive Player of the Year recognition; her skilled play drew the attention of college scouts, and she signed a letter of intent with Oregon State University, where she made the Pac-12 All-Freshman and All-Conference Teams; after her junior year, she transferred to UT, and she has since gone on to play more than 80 games for the Longhorns; in 2023-2024, she was a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention accolades; and WHEREAS, Off the court, Ms. Jones has further distinguished herself through her participation in numerous community service activities; in all her endeavors, she benefits from the support of her parents, Keith and Deanna, her stepmother, Linda, and her siblings, Tori, Carlie, Morgan, and Tyler; and WHEREAS, Through her skill, determination, and commitment to excellence, Taylor Jones has become a source of great pride to Longhorn basketball fans, and she is truly deserving of this latest honor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Taylor Jones on being named the SEC Player of the Week in women's basketball and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Jones as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Bell of Kaufman Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 580 was adopted by the House on March 31, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House