St. Patrick Women's Soccer (Lady Irish); commend and congratulate on winning the South State Championship.
Summary
House Resolution 116 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the St. Patrick Women’s Soccer Team, known as the Lady Irish, for winning the 2025 South State Championship. The resolution recounts the team’s season, including the arrival of a new head coach, Angela McClure, the loss of several starting players, and the team’s dedication of the season to teammate Katherine Adams, who was diagnosed with aggressive cancer. It highlights the team’s resilience in overcoming adversity and defeating Tupelo Christian Prep 4-0 to secure the title.
The resolution also recognizes individual achievements by players and coaches across multiple seasons, including Bella Jordan’s MVP performance and other all-star and player-of-the-year honors, as well as Anna Katherine Thriffiley’s awards and contributions. It places the 2025 championship in the context of the program’s recent success, noting prior championship appearances and state titles in earlier seasons under different coaching leadership. The resolution concludes by commending the team’s broader goal of building a strong soccer program where student-athletes excel on and off the field.
Impact
This resolution does not change state law, create new legal duties, or appropriate funds. Its effect is purely honorary: it formally commends the St. Patrick women’s soccer team and directs that copies of the resolution be delivered to Coach Angela McClure, the 2024-2025 players, and the Capitol Press Corps. The only practical impact is public recognition of the team, its coaches, and its accomplishments.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the bill is strongly positive and celebratory. The resolution was adopted by the House and presents the team as an example of perseverance, teamwork, and student-athlete success. The tone emphasizes admiration for the players’ achievements and respect for the adversity they overcame during the season. No opposing views or negative votes are indicated in the provided materials.
Contention
There is no notable policy contention because the measure is a noncontroversial commendation resolution rather than substantive legislation. The only potentially sensitive references are the teammate’s cancer diagnosis and the team’s loss of several starters, but these are included as part of the narrative of resilience rather than as points of dispute. No committee debate, amendments, or recorded opposition are provided in the bill context.