Senate Resolution 98 is a ceremonial resolution that commends the Paine College women’s golf team for an exceptional 2023-2024 season. The resolution highlights the team’s multiple national-level victories, including the Division II Women in Golf National Championship, the Stitch Invitational, the Johnson and Wales Match, the Snead State Invitational, and the Paine College Fall Dual Invitational Match. It also recognizes the team’s strong showing at the NCCAA Championship and notes that Ashley Michel and Helena Rios earned All-American honors, described as the first female All-Americans in Paine College golf history.
The resolution further praises Head Coach Andre Lacey II for his leadership, player development, and community outreach, and references his recognition by the Lucy C. Laney Museum of Black History for honoring the legacy of Black caddies and golf professionals in Augusta. It frames the team’s success as significant not only for Paine College but also for the broader visibility of HBCUs in collegiate golf and for inspiring young athletes through the opportunities golf can provide in athletics, education, and careers.
Impact
SR98 does not change state law, create new programs, or amend any statutes. Its effect is purely ceremonial: it formally recognizes and honors the Paine College women’s golf team and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the team. The practical impact is reputational and symbolic, elevating the team’s accomplishments and highlighting the role of HBCUs and Black representation in collegiate golf.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and congratulatory. The bill text uses highly laudatory language, calling the team champions and emphasizing their courage, precision, and historic achievements. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes showing opposition, the available context suggests broad support and an uncontroversial reception typical of a commendation resolution.
Contention
There is no evident policy contention in the bill itself, since SR98 is a nonbinding recognition measure rather than substantive legislation. The only potentially debatable emphasis is its broader cultural framing—particularly the focus on HBCU representation, Black golf history, and the legacy of Black professionals in Augusta—but the resolution presents these themes as celebratory rather than controversial. No opposing viewpoints, amendments, or recorded dissent appear in the available legislative history.
Lacey, Coach Andre; Paine College golf teams; outstanding achievements and contributions to the growth of collegiate golf and for fostering diversity and inclusion in the sport; commend