[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO SANTA CLARA BRONCOS WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM, 2001 NATIONAL 
                               CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2001-2002 Santa 
Clara University women's soccer team. The SCU Broncos, headed by coach 
Jerry Smith, took home the first-ever national title in women's sports 
for Santa Clara University.
  Santa Clara University's athletic program, under the leadership of 
Athletic Director Cheryl Levick, has a rich history of dedicated and 
talented athletes, who work hard on and off the field, and always 
maintain a strong commitment to teamwork. Santa Clara University has a 
strong reputation in the athletic and academic fields, has proven 
successful in recruiting student athletes, and has provided these 
athletes with an excellent education and a great athletic experience. 
Santa Clara's student-athlete graduation rate is the highest in their 
league.
  Though the SCU women's soccer team has been a dominant force in 
women's collegiate athletics, the 2001 season has proven to be their 
best. In 2001, with a season record of 23 wins and only 2 losses, they 
went on to defeat North Carolina for the national title in a 1-0 
victory on December 9, 2001, in Dallas, Texas.
  Santa Clara University, through its educational and athletic 
programs, fosters the development of scholar-athletes into outstanding 
leaders. The leadership skills that these scholar-athletes develop 
through the mentorship of Head Coach Jerry Smith, Assistant Coach Rich 
Manning, Assistant Coach Eric Yamamoto, and Assistant Coach Sean 
Purcell was strongly evident during the championship game and 
throughout the season. Players Danielle Slanton and Aly Wagner both 
took the initiative to provide their team with the calm and confidence 
that only a peer can provide. Aly Wagner has earned the distinction of 
being named 2001 Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year by the Bay Area 
Sports Hall of Fame.
  It is with great pleasure that I honor all of the members of the 
Santa Clara University Women's Soccer team: Erin Sharpe, Taline 
Tahmassian, Zepeda Zepesa, Alyssa Sobolik, Kerry Cathcart, Jaclyn 
Campi, Aly Wagner, Anna Kraus, Lana Bowen, Leslie Osborne, Jessica 
Ballweg, Emma Borst, Devvyn Hawkins, Bree Horvath, Katie Sheppard, 
Allie Teague, Danielle Slanton, Chardonnay Poole, Kristi Candau, Holly 
Azevedo, Erin Pearson, and Ynez Carrasco. The teamwork and dedication 
of these athletes has made the Santa Clara University community, and 
the entire State of California, proud. I would also like to acknowledge 
the Santa Clara University Bronco's Athletic Staff, Lisa Eskey, Carrie 
Rubertino, Jonathan Clough and Cheryl Levick.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to commend and congratulate the Santa 
Clara University Women's Soccer Team, 2001 National Champions. Go 
Broncos!

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