[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5098-S5099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S5098]]
            NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 113 submitted earlier 
by Senators Dodd and Lieberman.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 113) commending the Huskies of the 
     University of Connecticut for winning the 2003 NCAA Division 
     I Women's Basketball Championship.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding 
accomplishments of this year's NCAA women's basketball champions--the 
University of Connecticut Huskies--and offer, along with my colleague 
Senator Lieberman, a Senate resolution commending the Huskies for 
another phenomenal season.
  Sports and other forms of entertainment have taken a backseat over 
the past few weeks, and rightfully so, as our full national attention 
has been focused on our brave service men and women risking--and some 
losing--their lives in our war with Iraq.
  The beginning of this year's NCAA tournament coincided almost to the 
hour with the beginning of America's war with Iraq. For millions of 
Americans who eyes were glued to the television watching live coverage 
of our swift invasion, and whose hearts and prayers remain with our 
troops overseas, the NCAA tournament offered us all a much needed 
diversion.
  Compared to the stakes in the real battles being fought by our young 
men and women in cities and towns across Iraq, the stakes in this 
year's tournament seem very insignificant.
  But watching the NCAA tournament reminded us of the simple joy we 
feel from witnessing America's finest young athletes engage in the 
heights of competition.
  And for thousands of soldiers who watched the games live by satellite 
in the Persian Gulf, it gave them a little taste of home, where, it is 
my hope, they will be returning very, very soon.
  I would like to take a few moments to commend all the participants in 
the men's and women's basketball tournament this year. I want to 
especially congratulate the Syracuse Orangemen for their victory over 
Kansas on Monday night in the men's championship game.
  It was truly a spectacular year for the Big East, which also included 
St. John's winning the NIT championship.
  But most of all, I would like to specifically recognize the UConn 
Lady Huskies for their tremendous accomplishments this season, 
culminating with winning the national championship over their arch-
rival Tennessee last night, by a score of 73-68.
  A casual observer picking up a newspaper today might remark, ``UConn 
wins. Just like every year.'' And indeed, this marks the second 
straight year, and the third time in the last four years, that the Lady 
Huskies have ended the season as champions.
  But anyone who has followed UConn knows that this year was not just 
like any other year--and it certainly wasn't like last year. Last 
season, an undefeated UConn team, led by four outstanding All-American 
seniors--Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tamika Williams, and Asjha Jones--won its 
games by an average of 35 points.
  After these four women graduated--each one moving on to play 
professionally in the WNBA--many pundits believed that a younger, less 
experienced UConn team filled with underclassmen, and not a single 
senior, had little chance to win much of anything this season. To many, 
this was considered a rebuilding year. Preseason polls had the Huskies 
ranked as low as 12th in the Nation.
  Yet through grit, determination, talent, teamwork--and an exceptional 
coaching staff led by Geno Auriemma--the Huskies exceeded all 
expectations. They opened the season with 31 straight wins, extending 
their record winning streak to 70 games--one of the greatest streaks in 
the history of team sports.
  After moving with relative ease through the first few rounds of the 
NCAA tournament, they survived a grueling test against Texas in the 
semifinal game last Sunday night, when they rallied from a 9-point 
deficit with 12 minutes remaining to win by only two points. And last 
night, they held off a furious late rally by Tennessee.
  As usual, the tremendous play of two-time All-American junior Diana 
Taurasi sparked the Huskies to victory. This year, Ms. Taurasi sparked 
the Huskies to victory. This year, Ms. Taurasi rewrote the record 
books, as she put together one of the most outstanding seasons in the 
history of women's college basketball. She was recognized as the player 
of the year by every organization that gives out that honor, and was 
also named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA East Regional and 
the Final Four.
  Her 157 points in the NCAA tournament represented the third highest 
total in history. And her on and off court leadership was a steadying 
force for such a young team, prompting one of her teammates to describe 
her as ``the most amazing leader you could ask for.''
  But it was not only Diana Taurasi who won the championship for UConn. 
In fact, in the final game, despite scoring 28 points, she did not 
score a single point in the last 6 minutes. Instead, she relied upon 
her teammates to take center stage. The final free throws that inched 
the team closer to victory were made by a freshman, Ann Strother, who 
played one of the best games of her young career. And the steal that 
clinched the game was made by a sophomore reserve, Defensive Player of 
the Year, Ashley Battle.
  Last night's game showed all of America what we in Connecticut have 
known for years: that the Lady Huskies are not a collection of 
individual players, but a team in every sense of the word.
  Though the players all played their hearts out this year, UConn's 
success is also a testimony to their outstanding coach, Geno Auriemma. 
This year, Coach Auriemma was recognized for the fourth time as the 
Coach of the Year by the Associated Press and by the United States 
Basketball Writers Association. In his amazing 18 years as head coach 
of the Huskies, he has won 501 games and lost only 99.
  His success has made him one of the most recognizable figures in the 
Nutmeg State. Coach Auriemma has taught his players not only how to 
win, but how to do so with grace.
  In an age when sportsmanship has become almost a forgotten word, 
UConn women stand as a model which all young children can emulate, 
extending helping hands to fallen opponents and congratulating them 
after a game's conclusion.
  And every single student-athlete brought to UConn by Coach Auriemma 
has received her undergraduate degree.
  The success of the Lady Huskies has extended far beyond their own 
team. During their recent dynasty, women's basketball, and women's 
athletics in general, have risen to new prominence. This year, for the 
first time ever, all 63 games in the women's NCAA tournament were 
televised nationally. Over 28,000 fans attended last night's title game 
at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, and millions more watched on 
television.
  I am proud that the UConn Huskies have contributed to the flourishing 
of women's sports in America. Anyone who watched last night's game 
knows why this is so: the athletic ability of these women is truly 
amazing, matched only by their intensity and enthusiasm. And the 
caliber of women's basketball will only continue to get better and 
better as more and more young girls are inspired by these athletes to 
play sports in elementary and high school.
  I would like to recognize every member of the Huskies: players Ashley 
Valley, Diana Taurasi, Maria Conlon, Stacey Marron, Morgan Valley, 
Nicole Wolff, Ashley Battle, Willnett Crockett, Jessica Moore, Barbara 
Turner, Ann Strother, Head Coach Geno Auriemma, Associate Head Coach 
Chris Dailey, and Assistant Coaches Tonya Cardoza and Jamelle Elliott.
  I would also like to congratulate the runners-up, the University of 
Tennessee Volunteers, and their Head Coach Pat Summitt, for an 
outstanding season as well. For years, Tennessee has been synonymous 
with success in women's basketball, and there is no doubt that when the 
Huskies won last night, they beat the best.

[[Page S5099]]

  With the great joy and pride that I and all Connecticut residents 
feel right now, I am almost sorry to see the season end. But with every 
single member of the team set to return next year. I am already looking 
forward to another great season. If anyone can top this year's 
accomplishments, I know the Huskies can.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
University of Connecticut Huskies on their national championship, the 
fourth in the school's history. With their impressive 73-68 victory 
over the Tennessee Lady Vols, another powerhouse program, the Huskies 
proved that they could do much more than rebuild their team after last 
year's undefeated season. The Huskies showed that they could repeat as 
the best team in the land. That makes them just the third repeat 
champion in women's college basketball history.
  With this victory, the great Geno Auriemma--national coach of the 
year--has earned a place, alongside Jim Calhoun of course, as one of 
the best basketball coaches in America. Diana Taurasi, the Naismith 
Player of the Year and the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player, has 
become a full-fledged superstar. And the rest of this young team has 
demonstrated a harmony and chemistry that are almost impossible to 
match, especially for such a young group. Do you realize this is the 
first team ever to win the championship without a senior on the roster? 
That says a lot about the coaching prowess of Geno, the leadership of 
Diana, and the spirit of the UConn program.
  This season, things did not come quite as easy as they did in the 
last one. Last year, the program dominated with its four superstar 
seniors and its then-sophomore phenom. This time, many, many games were 
close. Sometimes they came close to blowing big leads. They even lost . 
. . once. Honestly, after their record-breaking 70-game winning streak, 
that single loss in an otherwise perfect season was big, big news in my 
State of Connecticut.
  But this team did not flinch. They did not waver. They kept their 
eyes on the prize and reached down into their gut, game after game.
  The championship game itself was no different. It was intense, hard 
fought. Everybody found a way to contribute. Tough play in the paint, 
graceful outside shooting. Strong defense. And ``D''--that's Diana--
scored 28 in a passionate and poised performance. After the game, she 
was humble about it. ``No superstars, just blue collar,'' she said.
  In the process, Connecticut-Tennessee has become, hands down, the 
best rivalry in women's college basketball. The Huskies against the 
Vols. Geno Auriemma against Pat Summit, both basketball legends. And, 
with my condolences to the Tennessee delegation, I must say proudly 
that Connecticut has the upper hand, with four straight victories over 
the Lady Vols, including in the 1995, 2000, and 2003 title games.
  I do not want to get mushy here, but when speaking of the Huskies, it 
is hard to stop myself from wagging my tail with joy. All of 
Connecticut, and especially girls who love basketball like my daughter, 
are cheering today, and eager to welcome the Huskies home for a victory 
celebration.
  With so much success already under the belt of this great program, it 
is hard to say that we are surprised by what they have accomplished yet 
again. But with such a remarkable road to their second straight title, 
it is easy to say we are proud.
  Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and 
preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the 
Record, with no intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 113) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 113

       Whereas the University of Connecticut women's basketball 
     team won its third national championship in 4 years by 
     defeating arch-rival University of Tennessee by the score of 
     73 to 68;
       Whereas the Huskies finished the 2002-2003 season with a 
     record of 37 wins and 1 loss, and have now won 76 of their 
     last 77 games;
       Whereas during the 2002-2003 season the Huskies won their 
     70th game in a row, setting a new record for NCAA Division I 
     Women's Basketball;
       Whereas Coach Geno Auriemma has been coaching the Huskies 
     for 18 years, and achieved his 500th career win this season;
       Whereas Coach Auriemma won his second-straight Coach of the 
     Year honor this year;
       Whereas Diana Taurasi was chosen as the national women's 
     player of the year, and the NCAA Tournament's most valuable 
     player;
       Whereas Ashley Battle was chosen as Big East defensive 
     player of the year;
       Whereas the high caliber of the Huskies in both athletics 
     and academics has significantly advanced the sport of women's 
     basketball and provided inspiration for future generations of 
     young men and women alike; and
       Whereas the Huskies unparalleled success continues to bring 
     enormous pride and joy to the people of Connecticut and to 
     sports aficionados around the country: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate commends the Huskies of the 
     University of Connecticut for--
       (1) completing the 2002-2003 women's basketball season with 
     a record of 37 wins and 1 loss, including winning their 
     record 70th game in a row; and
       (2) winning the 2003 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball 
     Championship, their fourth national championship.

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