[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 100 (Thursday, June 8, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY BOWLING TEAM

 Mr. HAGERTY. Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Blackburn and 
myself, a Vanderbilt alumnus, we would like to congratulate the 
Vanderbilt University bowling team on winning the National Collegiate 
Athletic Association--NCAA--championship, the third national 
championship for the women's bowling program and the sixth national 
championship in Commodore athletic history.
  The Commodores were a dominating force during the 2022-2023 season, 
compiling a 98-29 record and winning four tournament championships 
including a regional NCAA crown. Five team members earned All-America 
honors with Mabel Cummins, a neuroscience senior, being named the 
national player of the year. The team earned an outstanding 3.559 GPA 
and placed seven members on the Dean's List.
  This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work, 
talent, and teamwork of the following outstanding student athletes: 
Alyssa Ballard, Kailee Channell, Mabel Cummins, Kaylee Hitt, Amelia 
Kiefer, Jennifer Loredo, Amanda Naujokas, Paige Peters, Caroline 
Thesier, and Victoria Varano.
  John Williamson, the head coach of the Vanderbilt bowling team, was 
named the national coach of the year for the fourth time and has led 
the program since its inception in 2004. Over the past 19 years, Coach 
Williamson has transformed Commodore bowling into one of the Nation's 
finest, winning both on the lanes and in the classroom. Coach 
Williamson should also be commended for combining athletic excellence 
with academics as well as international service experiences.
  These student athletes were coached and mentored by a dedicated team 
of coaches and athletic department staff, including: head coach John 
Williamson, associate head coach Josie Barnes, deputy athletic director 
Dr. Kristene Kelly, associate athletic trainer Alda Burston, associate 
director of strength and conditioning Darren Edginton, assistant 
director of event management Renee Mackin, assistant director of 
student services Max Martin, sports dietitian Jasmine Gilbert, and head 
of athletic communications Rod Williamson.
  We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of 
Vanderbilt University athletic director Candice Storey Lee, an alumna 
and former Vanderbilt women's basketball player.
  Congratulations, Commodores. We are proud of you.

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