[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 76 (Friday, May 6, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM 2021-2022 
         NJCAA DIVISION 1 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIE GOHMERT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 6, 2022

  Mr. GOHMERT. Madam Speaker, it is with enormous pride that I 
recognize and congratulate the Tyler Junior College Lady Apaches on an 
outstanding basketball season in which they captured the National 
Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 Women's National 
Championship title.
  Throughout the 2021-2022 season, the Lady Apaches developed a 
reputation with one of the top offenses in the country, averaging 78.8 
points per game, making it apparent that the Lady Apaches were a force 
with which to be reckoned. Entering the NJCAA tournament with a season 
record of 23-8 and as the No. 17 seed, the Lady Apaches were underdogs 
in each of their five games in the tournament. However, they 
demonstrated their hard work and determination to earn a spot in the 
championship game.
  The Lady Apaches demonstrated incredible focus and skill to clinch 
the National Championship over the Georgia Highlands Lady Chargers with 
a final score of 92-80. It is an esteemed honor to pay tribute to the 
team members and coaches of the 2021-2022 NJCAA Division 1 Women's 
Basketball National Champions: Veonce Powell (No. 1), Nassarine William 
(No. 3), Tia Morgan (No. 4), Nadechka Laccen (No. 5), Emari Sidney (No. 
10), Shadiya Thomas (No. 12), Brianna Garrett (No. 13), Trinittee 
Alexander (No. 20), Taryn Wills (No. 21), Jasmine Payne (No. 22), 
Deborah Ogayemi (No. 23), Daijah Torns (No. 24), Head Coach Trenia 
Tillis-Hoard, Assistant Coach Chelsea Hudson, Assistant Coach Brianna 
Brooks, Student Assistant Coach Brynn Sultz, and Manager Keairra Grant.
  This tribute goes out to all of the amazing athletic staff and 
support staff at Tyler Junior College including the Director of 
Intercollegiate Athletics Kevin Vest; Assistant Athletic Director Kelsi 
Weeks; Associate Athletic Director Chuck Smith; Administrative 
Assistant Jordan Jones; Head Athletic Trainer Eddy McGuire; Assistant 
Athletic Trainer Victoria Morris; Student Trainer Paige Arkfeld; 
Student Trainer Haven Bengi; Registrar Records/State Reports 
Coordinator Denny Yarbrough; Enrollment Support Services Specialist 
Erica Thurman, and all other personnel that contributed to this amazing 
championship season.
  An athletic team cannot achieve any true level of excellence without 
unwavering support from its school leaders including President Dr. Juan 
E. Mejia; Provost Dr. Deana Sheppard; and Associate Vice Provost of 
Student Affairs Dr. Tim Drain. That is exactly the kind of support the 
Lady Apaches experienced from the entire community of Tyler and Smith 
County. That is why congratulations go to all the outstanding family, 
friends, and fans who contributed to the success of the Lady Apaches 
during this championship season.
  The accomplishment of Deborah Ogayemi (forward) should be of 
particular note, who averaged 17 rebounds a game during the tournament 
and was voted the Tournament's Most Valuable Player. Joining her on the 
All-Tournament Team were teammates Shadiya Thomas (guard) and Taryn 
Wills (guard). Head Coach Trenia Tillis-Hoard is to be congratulated 
for receiving the Coach of the Tournament award.
  This is not just a feat for the basketball team but for the entire 
college. This represents the 67th national championship in the school's 
history as a NJCAA Division 1 contender. Furthermore, The Lady Apaches 
were in the national tournament for the fifth time in six years and in 
the national championship game for the third time ever. This will be 
the first National Championship the Lady Apaches have won since their 
only other championship win in 2000. This speaks highly of the hard 
work and dedication of the men and women and the excellent coaching 
staff at Tyler Junior College.
  It is with great pride that I join with all of east Texas in 
congratulating the Lady Apaches basketball team on their NJCAA Division 
1 National Championship. May God continue to bless these consummate 
first-class competitors, along with their families, friends, and 
neighbors in east Texas. This outstanding accomplishment is now 
preserved, which will endure as long as there is a United States of 
America.

                          ____________________