TITLE: Congratulating the West Texas A&M University volleyball team on winning the 2022 NCAA Division II national championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the West Texas A&M University volleyball team on winning the 2022 NCAA Division II national championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The West Texas A&M University Lady Buffs proved themselves one of the finest volleyball teams in the nation by winning the 2022 NCAA Division II national championship; and WHEREAS, Following an undefeated run in league play during the regular season, the Lady Buffs claimed the Lone Star Conference Tournament title and then embarked on their triumphant journey through the Division II bracket; following wins in the first two rounds, they defeated top-ranked Metropolitan State University of Denver in the regional final to advance to the national tournament in Seattle, Washington; there, WT bested Wingate University in the Elite Eight and the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the semifinals to punch its ticket to the national championship match for the fifth time in program history; and WHEREAS, On December 3, WT battled top-seeded Concordia University, St. Paul for the national crown; the Lady Buffs won two of the first three sets and then staged a fierce comeback in the fourth and deciding game, erasing a 23-20 deficit to win by the final score of 28-26; with the victory, WT earned its first national championship since 1997 and the fourth overall; and WHEREAS, The team was paced by Torrey Miller, the National Tournament Most Valuable Player, who was joined by Bryli Contreras, Abi Nash, and Kayla Elliott on the All-Tournament Team; throughout the year, the Lady Buffs also received valuable contributions from the other members of the roster: Emma Becker, Piper Warren, Ashlyn Vinyard, Jaycee Adams, Taytum Stow, Ainsley Malis, Camy Jones, Blair Moreland, Lindsey Bullard, Angelina Oliver, Ainsley Meissner, Samantha Jordan, Katrina Johnson, Emma Patterson, Zahria Parker, and Carly Evetts; and WHEREAS, Head coach Kendra Potts was honored as the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division II National Coach of the Year; the team was further supported by associate head coach Casey Shingler, the AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year, assistant coach Brooke Alverson, athletic trainer Austin Feltner, and volunteer assistant coach Jeremie Middleton; and WHEREAS, Playing with exemplary skill, determination, and teamwork, the Lady Buffs realized their season-long goal of becoming national champions, and their achievement will forever be a proud memory for the university's loyal fans throughout Texas and beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the West Texas A&M University volleyball team on winning the 2022 NCAA Division II national championship and extend to the players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Lady Buffs as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Smithee Price Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 680 was adopted by the House on April 5, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House