[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E648-E649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HUSKIES ON WOMEN'S NCAA BASKETBALL 
                              CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1239, 
which recognizes the tremendous accomplishments of the University of 
Connecticut women's basketball team. The University of Connecticut 
Huskies women's basketball team has emerged as one of the most 
outstanding teams in the history of college sports. On April 6, 2010, 
the Huskies defeated the Stanford Cardinal in the National Collegiate 
Athletic Association, NCAA, Division I women's basketball national 
championship in San Antonio, Texas.
  This victory gave the Huskies their seventh national championship, 
second only to the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers' eight 
championships. This season the Huskies went undefeated, ending the 
season on a record 78 game winning streak, a streak that has lasted 
since the beginning of the 2008-2009 season. As a former college 
basketball player, I understand the hard work, intense focus, and 
tireless dedication required to achieve a single season as successful 
as the Huskies' was this year. So, the kind of repeated success that 
the University of Connecticut women have seen over the years is truly 
impressive.
  The Huskies' coach, Geno Auriemma, is the president of the Women's 
Basketball Coaches Association and holds the highest winning percentage 
among active coaches. Coach Auriemma is also a coach of the 2012 United 
States Olympic Team. In addition to these successes, Coach Auriemma 
should be most appreciated for the role model that he is to his players 
and the positive impact he has on their lives.

[[Page E649]]

  The Huskies basketball team is comprised of some of the most talented 
athletes in the Nation. Junior forward Maya Moore and senior center 
Tina Charles were both selected as first team All-Americans and as 
members of the Final Four All-Tournament Team. Maya Moore was also 
chosen as the State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year and the Women's 
Final Four Most Valuable Player. Tina Charles was selected as the 
winner of the Naismith Award, the Wooden Award, the United States 
Basketball Writers Association Player of the Year Award, and the 
Associated Press Player of the Year Award.
  I salute the hard work and dedication of the University of 
Connecticut Huskies players and coaches. I commend their exceptional 
record, athleticism, and consistent display of sportsmanship.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1239.

                          ____________________