[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          CHAMPION OF THE WEEK

  (Mrs. SYKES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Jada Haines as 
Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.
  Jada grew up on the west side of Akron, and as a student-athlete, she 
began her basketball journey with Ladies First Akron.
  She then went on to a successful career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High 
School and continued playing at the University of Northwestern Ohio and 
the University of Indianapolis.
  Through it all, she credits Ladies First Akron with helping instill 
in her the love for the game.
  Today, she has returned home to coach with Ladies First Akron, 
mentoring the next generation of young women student-athletes. She 
recently helped organize the organization's first Life After Sports 
Summit, connecting students with local universities for project-based 
learning opportunities.
  Now in its 16th year, Ladies First Akron serves girls in grades three 
through eight across the greater Akron area. It is not just about 
basketball, it is about mentorship, life skills, and preparing young 
women for success beyond the court.
  Jada's leadership reflects the spirit of our community and is a 
shining example of why our community is known as the birthplace of 
champions.
  Jada is not only a champion in her own right, but she is helping 
train the next generation.
  Again, I thank Jada for giving back to our community and commend her 
on being named Champion of the Week.

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