[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 144 (Tuesday, September 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF LAURA WHALEN SLANE ON HER INDUCTION INTO THE LUZERNE 
                       COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 2019

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete 
and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Laura Whalen Slane. This year, 
Laura was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame at the 
35th annual dinner on August 11, 2019 for her distinct athletic 
achievements in the sport of field hockey.
  Every year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who 
have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through 
their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.
  Laura is a graduate of Crestwood High School's Class of 1996. There 
she played several sports including basketball, soccer, track and 
field, and field hockey. In 1995, Laura was named field hockey team 
captain and helped her team secure the AAA District Championship. For 
her impressive efforts, she was placed on the All-Conference first team 
and the All-State second team. In addition to her many accomplishments 
in field hockey, she was also the captain of the basketball team and 
set a number of district track records.
  After high school, Laura continued her excellence in sports at 
Rutgers University. During her time at Rutgers, she won several field 
hockey awards including The Mission Statement Award, The Coaches Award, 
Rutgers Defensive Player of the Year, and Team MVP. She also earned 
other honors during her college career, including Big East Player of 
the Week, Big East Academic All-Star, and Rutgers Player of the Year. 
She played on the Big East All-Conference team and was named a Division 
I Regional All-American. While helping her team accomplish six shut-out 
games, she succeeded in breaking the Rutgers school record for most 
defensive saves in a single season.
  In addition to her stunning sports record, Laura pursued an academic 
career which led her to become world history teacher in New Jersey. She 
has taught at Warren Hills Regional School District for 16 years while 
coaching for the past 13 years. To date, her teams have only lost a 
total of 5 games under her leadership. Laura still has time to 
participate in other sports as well; she plays in a soccer league and 
runs 5ks and half-marathons when time allows. She is supported in her 
sports endeavors by her husband Roger and son Andrew.
  It is an honor to recognize Laura on her induction into the Luzerne 
County Sports Hall of Fame. May her tremendous athletic career and 
service to the community be a source of inspiration to future athletes 
in Pennsylvania.