[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 487--CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN 
 BADGERS ON WINNING THE 2021 NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 
               DIVISION I WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

  Ms. BALDWIN (for herself and Mr. Johnson) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 487

       Whereas, on December 18, 2021, the University of Wisconsin 
     Badgers won the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association 
     (referred to in this preamble as the ``NCAA'') Division I 
     Women's Volleyball Championship and finished the season with 
     an impressive record of 31 wins and 3 losses;
       Whereas the University of Wisconsin women's volleyball team 
     defeated the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers in a 
     thrilling 5-set match to win the program's first ever 
     national championship;
       Whereas the following players should be congratulated for 
     their hard work and dedication in representing the University 
     of Wisconsin with dignity: Izzy Ashburn, Lauren Barnes, 
     Joslyn Boyer, Giorgia Civita, Jade Demps, Liz Gregorski, MJ 
     Hammill, Danielle Hart, Sydney Hilley, Lauren Jardine, Grace 
     Loberg, Anna MacDonald, Julia Orzol, Sydney Reed, Dana 
     Rettke, Devyn Robinson, Anna Smrek, and Julia Wohlert;
       Whereas the Badgers were led by an outstanding coaching and 
     support staff, including Kelly Sheffield, Brittany Dildine, 
     Gary White, Jessica Williams, Annemarie Hickey, Mackenzie 
     Long, Kristen Walker, Kevin Schultz, Katie Smith, Diane 
     Nordstrom, and Bianca Miceli;
       Whereas the championship point was scored by senior middle 
     blocker Dana Rettke, the 2021 National Player of the Year and 
     the only 5-time American Volleyball Coaches Association 
     (referred to in this preamble as the ``AVCA'') First-Team 
     All-American in NCAA Volleyball history;
       Whereas freshman opposite hitter Anna Smrek was named the 
     Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA National Championship, 
     while Dana Rettke and Sydney Hilley were also named to the 
     NCAA National Championship All-Tournament Team;
       Whereas senior setter Sydney Hilley was also selected as 
     the 2021 Senior CLASS Award recipient as the most outstanding 
     senior student-athlete in Division I women's volleyball;
       Whereas Assistant Coach Brittany Dildine was named the AVCA 
     Division I National Assistant Coach of the Year;
       Whereas the University of Wisconsin women's volleyball 
     team--
       (1) captured the 2021 Big Ten conference championship for 
     the third consecutive season;
       (2) featured 3 players who earned AVCA All-American honors 
     at the end of the season, Dana Rettke, Sydney Hilley, and 
     Lauren Barnes; and
       (3) has had a history of players, past and present, who 
     also represent the University of Wisconsin on the 
     international stage;
       Whereas the players and staff persevered through the 
     challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
       Whereas the Badger women's volleyball team has brought 
     great pride and honor to the University of Wisconsin and its 
     alumni, loyal fans, and the State of Wisconsin: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the University of Wisconsin Badgers on 
     winning the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association 
     Division I Women's Volleyball Championship;
       (2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, 
     and staff who contributed to this championship season; and
       (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
     prepare an official copy of this resolution for presentation 
     to--
       (A) the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin, Rebecca 
     Blank;
       (B) the Athletic Director of the University of Wisconsin, 
     Chris McIntosh; and
       (C) the Head Coach of the University of Wisconsin 
     volleyball team, Kelly Sheffield.

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