[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO TEAM USA'S JAKE SANDERSON, KONNOR RALPH, AND KATIE VERDERBER

  Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Jake 
Sanderson, Konnor Ralph, and Katie Verderber as Montanans of the Month.
  These three Montanans representing the United States at the 2026 
Winter Olympics and Paralympics have shown exemplary dedication to 
their sports. They are some of the best that the Treasure State has to 
offer.
  Jake Sanderson, a native of Whitefish, MT, is a defensemen on Team 
USA's men's hockey team. Growing up, Sanderson competed for the Glacier 
Avalanche of the Glacier Hockey Association alongside his brothers. In 
2026, he was named to Team USA's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. 
Sanderson helped Team USA go 6-0 at the Milan Cortina games and win its 
first Olympic gold medal since the ``Miracle on Ice'' in 1980.
  Konnor Ralph is an American freestyle skier from Helena, MT. Ralph 
represented the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in the 
slopestyle and big air events. Ralph placed ninth overall in slopestyle 
and fifth overall in men's big air.
  Katie Verderber is scheduled to compete at the 2026 Paralympic Winter 
Games for Team USA's wheelchair curling squad. Raised in Valier, MT, 
Verderber received her undergraduate degree from the University of 
Montana.
  It is my distinct honor to recognize Jake Sanderson, Konnor Ralph, 
and Katie Verderber as Montanans of the Month for their hard work, 
dedication to their country and teams, and their representation of 
Montana on the international playing field.

                          ____________________