[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 22 (Thursday, February 3, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE BYU WOMEN'S SOCCER SEASON

 Mr. ROMNEY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
outstanding achievements of the Brigham Young University women's soccer 
team. This past season, the team closed out a record-breaking year, 
culminating in their first ever contest for the NCAA Division One 
Women's College Cup on December 6, 2021.
  Although the final match did not end in victory, the Cougars 
displayed extraordinary determination and tenacity in the championship 
game against Florida State University. During the entirety of 
regulation play, followed by two overtime periods, the BYU women's 
soccer team denied every goal attempt by their No. 1 ranked opponents. 
Only after an exhaustive overtime did the squad fall just short in 
penalty kicks, during which the victors are ultimately decided by a 
great deal of luck.
  Despite this heartbreaking final result, the women achieved historic 
successes. Tallying 77 points during the season, the team led the 
country in overall goals and was the top scoring offense in the Nation, 
averaging 3.5 goals per game. They also led the Nation with 226 corner 
kicks, rounding out their impressive 18-5-1 season record.
  Veteran coach Jennifer Rockwood has led the BYU soccer program to a 
total of 22 NCAA tournament appearances in her 27 years of coaching, a 
remarkably impressive record. For their efforts, BYU's staff, including 
Rockwood, Brent Anderson, Steve Magleby, Madie Gates, Rachel Jorgensen, 
and Carolyn Billings, all earned United Soccer Coaches' 2021 West 
Regional Staff of the Year awards and the NCAA DI Women's Staff of the 
Year award.
  While the entire team had an exemplary season, individual players 
received numerous accolades. Mikayla Colohan was named a finalist for 
both the Class of 2022 Honda Sport Award for Soccer and the 2021 MAC 
Hermann Trophy. Additionally, forward Cameron Tucker signed a 2-year 
deal with Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League upon 
graduation.
  Individual performances and accolades are built on the strong 
foundation of a great team. BYU's impressive team includes seniors 
Grace Johnson and Makaylie Moore, juniors Ashton Johnson and Natalee 
Wells, and sophomores Bella Folino, Zoe Jacobs, Ellie Maughan, Rachel 
McCarthy, Becken Mozingo, Kendell Petersen, Jamie Shepherd, Laveni 
Vaka, and Olivia Wade. Rounding out the team were freshmen Haven Empey, 
Savannah Empey-Mason, Paola Garcia, Addie Gardner, Brooke Hale, Ruby 
Lladek, Kelsey Hoopes, Abbie Kotter, Josie Shepherd, Olivia Smith, 
Caroline Stringfellow, Daviana Vaka, Tara Warner, and Jacey Wood.
  Congratulations to the entire BYU women's soccer program for their 
historic season. I wish them the best of luck in their continued 
athletic, academic, and professional pursuits.

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