SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 748

WHEREAS, The volleyball team of Leon High School in Jewett continued the school's tradition of excellence in the sport by winning the University Interscholastic League 1A state championship on November 17, 2012, in Garland; and

WHEREAS, Finishing with an impressive record of 42 wins and just four losses, the Lady Cougars advanced through the playoffs with wins over Saratoga West Hardin, Normangee, Beckville, and Iola High Schools to earn a spot in the state tournament; and

WHEREAS, After defeating Wink in the semifinals, the Leon players claimed the title with a decisive straight-sets victory over Round Top-Carmine; it was the ninth time in school history that a Lady Cougars team earned the University Interscholastic League trophy, and Leon also collected two state crowns in the years before volleyball was a league-recognized sport; and

WHEREAS, Several Lady Cougars were honored with postseason awards; state tournament Most Valuable Player Thelma Flores was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Morgan Sigford and Brianna Sitton; in addition, Ms. Flores, Ms. Sigford, Ms. Sitton, and Shea McCune were named to the All-State first team, while Avery Robinson was selected for the second team and Brooke Hastings garnered an honorable mention accolade; and

WHEREAS, Excelling through strong teamwork, the Lady Cougars also received important contributions throughout the year from the other members of the roster: Kayla Riemer, Keri Prewitt, Kelsey Allen, Kendal Honeycutt, Taylor Carrington, Shay Hastings, Danyal Coulter, and Kaitlyn Burnes; and

WHEREAS, Head coach Jason Evans was named the 1A Coach of the Year for his outstanding efforts; in capturing his first championship, he continued the family tradition started by his grandfather, Texas Hall of Fame coach Billy Evans, who guided the volleyball program at Leon for 36 years and won nine state championships; supporting Mr. Evans in his fine work with the team were assistant coaches Teresa Sitton, Deuce Foley, DeAnna Bowdoin, and Pat Roberts; and

WHEREAS, The success attained by the Lady Cougar volleyball players is a testament to their notable skill and dedication, and they are a source of tremendous pride to their school and their many fans in the local community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby congratulate the Leon High School volleyball team on winning the 2012 University Interscholastic League 1A state championship and extend to the team's players and coaches sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate. Schwertner

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 23, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate