[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 31, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING COACH DONNA WISE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay public 
tribute to a remarkable individual from my home district. Donna Wise, 
head coach of the women's basketball team at Campbellsville University, 
is retiring at the end of this season, drawing her legendary 32-year 
coaching career to a close.
  Most people know about Kentucky's love of basketball and the 
commitment many make every season to win. Coach Wise's athletic 
achievements epitomize a work ethic and competitive spirit that makes 
Kentucky proud. But it's the lessons Donna Wise instills in her players 
about life's priorities, impressions countless young women continue to 
take far off the court and apply many years after college, that mark 
the true measure of her legacy.
  A master of the sport, Coach Wise has always conducted herself in the 
highest standard, expecting both athletic and personal excellence from 
those she led. Her consistent focus on team work, sportsmanship, and 
persistence has been the foundation of the Lady Tigers' remarkable 
success.
  To date, Coach Wise has won an impressive 653 games, ranking 1st in 
the NAIA Division 1 and 12th nationally among all NCAA and NAIA women's 
coaches in total wins. Throughout three decades of coaching, she has 
led 16 teams to NAIA Conference titles, 4 to Kentucky Intercollegiate 
Conference titles, and numerous others to national tournament and title 
game appearances. She has been recipient to dozens of coaching awards 
including induction into the National Association of Intercollegiate 
Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.
  In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Donna Wise has remained 
actively involved in numerous community and charitable organizations. 
She has been recognized as Woman of the Year by the Business and 
Professional Women's Foundation in 1994; Campbellsville Citizen of the 
Year in 1995; and Educator of the Year by the Campbellsville Chamber of 
Congress in 2000.
  I would like to recognize Donna Wise today for her many achievements 
as a coach, teacher, and citizen. Her unique dedication to the 
development and well-being of student-athletes and the communities they 
now serve make her an outstanding American worthy of our collective 
honor and appreciation.

                          ____________________