[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E654-E655]
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. JOHN B. LARSON-

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
House Resolution 1239, Commending the University of Connecticut Huskies 
for their historic win in the 2010 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball 
Tournament. On March 6, 2010, the Huskies capped an undefeated season 
by beating the University of Stanford Cardinal 53-47 in the NCAA 
Championship game. There are many things that make this team 
impressive, but to show just how dominant they were, this was their 
only victory all season where they defeated an opponent by less than 10 
points. With 78 straight wins, they broke their own record for all-time 
consecutive victories.
  Throughout their unbelievable run, the UConn women's basketball team 
has captivated the state of Connecticut with their awe-inspiring 
talent. Tina Charles' tremendous play at center earned her recognition 
as both the United States Basketball Writers Association and the 
Associated Press Player of the Year. Additionally, she was named the 
Naismith Award winner and the Wooden Award winner. Although she will 
graduate this year, she will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the 
all-

[[Page E655]]

time greats to play for the Huskies. Junior Maya Moore received 
outstanding honors by being named the State Farm Wade Trophy Player of 
the Year and being named the Most Valuable Player in the Final Four. 
Both Moore and Tina Charles were chosen as First-Team All-Americans.
  Connecticut is home to one of the most accomplished and successful 
teams in the history of collegiate athletics. Under Head Coach Geno 
Auriemma, we in Connecticut have become accustomed to excellence year 
in and year out. He has led the Huskies to seven championships, 
including four undefeated seasons. He also holds the highest winning 
percentage of any active coach in women's collegiate basketball.
  The Women Huskies have captured the hearts of fans all across the 
nation with their exemplary work on and off the court. In every game, 
the team played with a passion and desire only displayed by champions. 
This entire team of remarkable women: Heather Buck, Tina Charles, Lorin 
Dixon, Caroline Doty, Kelly Faris, Jacquie Fernandes, Meghan Gardler, 
Kalana Greene, Tiffany Hayes, Kaili McLaren, and Maya Moore exemplify 
what a student-athlete is supposed to be. As they carry their winning 
streak into next season, I know they will continue to make us proud.
  I am proud to join Connecticut's Congressional Delegation, my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives, and Husky Nation in 
celebrating the UConn Women Basketball team's seventh NCAA Women's 
National Basketball Championship, second perfect season in a row and 
record 78-game winning streak.

                          ____________________