[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 58 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2003

  Mr. LARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of women's 
basketball and to pay tribute to the University of Connecticut women's 
basketball team.
  The Huskies have won 76 of their last 77 games including a record 
breaking 70 wins in a row on their way to winning their second national 
title on April 8, 2003. They are the first women's basketball team ever 
to win the national championship without a senior on the team. They 
achieved this distinction by defeating outstanding teams from Texas and 
Tennessee in the Final Four.
  Geno Auriemma, Chris Dailey, their assistants, Lew Perkins, and the 
entire UConn program are to be commended for their continued pursuit of 
excellence both on and off the basketball court. They are a credit to 
women's sports and college athletics in general.
  Coach Auriemma paid a great tribute to Pat Summitt and the Tennessee 
team, citing that UConn beat the best women's basketball program in the 
country. Though his Huskies were victorious, the real winner was 
women's athletics.
  With all the talk about changing Title IX, this Final Four bears 
testimony on the wisdom of that policy. Texas, Duke, Tennessee, and 
Connecticut brought women's basketball to another level. For purists 
who follow sports, its reminiscent of baseball in the 1950s and 60s. 
There is a purity about the women's game that is unique and endearing 
and transcends gender.
  For the University of Connecticut team, the first ever group of all 
underclassmen to win the national title, what a lasting tribute to your 
dedication, stamina, spirit, and will to win.
  They say that teams are an extension of their coach. Clearly the 
UConn women's program is personified in Coach Auriemma and in their 
leader Diana Taurasi. The Supremes had Diana Ross, the British had 
Princess Diana. Connecticut has ``D,'' Diana Taurasi, simply the best 
women's basketball player in the country.
  While Diana Taurasi at times carried this team on her back, the 
championship could not have been won without a team effort. Ann 
Strother will be remembered for shaking off a tough tournament to play 
her best game in the biggest game. The flawless ball handling and 
clutch three pointers by Maria Conlon freed Taurasi to focus on 
shooting and driving to the basket. The solid inside play of Jessica 
Moore, Barbara Turner, and Willnett Crockett kept the offense balanced 
and the defense off guard. And who will forget Ashley Battle's steal of 
the ball to seal the victory. Not to be overlooked are the 
contributions throughout the year of Morgan Valley, Ashley Valley, 
Stacey Marron, and Nicole Wolff.
  I only hope Geno and Kathy, Chris Dailey, and all the coaches get to 
relax and enjoy the moment, because the expectation for a three-peat 
has already started.
  Lastly, this great game with great teams was played out by young 
women on a national stage in what will go down as a tournament for the 
ages, and will inspire countless dreams of girls and boys who aspire to 
excel in sports and seize the moment.
  I am further delighted to collect my dinner wager from Harold Ford, 
Jr. of Tennessee, a future President of the United States. I will enjoy 
every morsel of this meal as I brag on the Huskies, Diana Taurasi, the 
Big East, and another future President, Joe Lieberman.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute 
to the University of Connecticut's fourth women's basketball national 
championship and celebrating the game of women's basketball and the 
continued success of women's athletics.

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