[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S1711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SARA DeCOSTA: 1998 U.S. WOMEN'S OLYMPIC ICE HOCKEY TEAM GOLD MEDALIST

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 
accomplishments of Sara DeCosta of Warwick, RI. As a member of the U.S. 
Women's Olympic Ice Hockey Team, Sara and her teammates made history 
this year by winning the first-ever gold medal awarded in women's ice 
hockey at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
  Sara's efforts were a great part of the drive to bring home the gold. 
Her world class talent and solid determination helped team USA rise 
above the best in Women's Ice Hockey. Sara and her teammates proved 
that years of discipline, hard work, and tough sacrifices can pay off. 
Their magnificent display of sportsmanship and pride lifted our hearts 
and hopes. Truly, Sara and the U.S. Women's Olympic Ice Hockey team 
exemplify the best America has to offer and their success serves as a 
gleaming reminder of what can be achieved through bold determination 
and persistence.
  Mr. President, Sara's victory is not just about hard work and 
discipline. It proves that if you believe in your own abilities you can 
succeed, no matter what outdated gender stereotypes would dictate. Sara 
has served as an example to the state of Rhode Island and the country. 
Her dedication and enthusiasm will inspire others to look beyond the 
traditional path and to reach for the stars to bring home their own 
personal gold medals. I congratulate Sara, the other eight players who 
are alumnae or students in Rhode Island's schools and the rest of the 
Women's Hockey Team. We can be proud of this group of young women for 
their commitment to follow their dreams. Sara DeCosta and her teammates 
are an inspiration to us all.

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