[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12537]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TRIBUTE TO NANCY LOPEZ

 Mr. DOMENICI. Madam, President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of New Mexico's favorite daughters, Nancy Lopez, who over the 
Fourth of July holiday concluded her full-time career on the Ladies 
Professional Golf Association tour.
  Nancy has a remarkable history not only as a player, but as an 
inspirational role model, who overcame hardships like racial and gender 
bias, to reach remarkable heights as a golfer. She did so with an inner 
strength, natural talent and the sustaining guidance of her loving 
parents, Marina and Domingo. They scrimped and saved to help Nancy 
reach her potential, which culminated at the pinnacle of the 
professional golfing world.
  Her father's love for golf helped Nancy tap her natural talent for 
the sport at the young age of 8. She soon excelled, winning the New 
Mexico Women's Amateur title at 12, followed by twice winning the USGA 
Junior Girls Championship.
  Nancy successfully petitioned the New Mexico Activities Association 
to be allowed to play on the boy's team at the Robert H. Goddard High 
School in Roswell. She honed her talents as a player at Tulsa 
University and turned pro in 1977.
  From the little girl who first swung a club with her father on 
Roswell's public course, Nancy embarked on a 25-year career that 
brought greater public attention to the LPGA. In her first full year as 
a professional, she won nine tournaments and grabbed another eight 
titles in 1979. In all, Nancy has won 48 titles on the LPGA Tour and 
has rightfully been identified as the key figure who helped popularize 
women's golf.
  In 1987, she was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, and in 1992, I 
was privileged to personally congratulate her as she received the 
prestigious Flo Hyman Award from the Women's Sports Foundation for 
``exemplifying dignity, spirit and commitment to excellence.''
  I think it is only fitting that a school in her old stomping grounds 
has been renamed, through the efforts of the Roswell Hispano Chamber of 
Commerce, the Nancy Lopez Elementary School. This tribute serves as one 
reminder of the enduring pride the people of Roswell and New Mexico 
have for Nancy. As she makes the transition from the LPGA tour to 
devote more time to her family and charitable endeavors, I believe it 
is proper to honor and congratulate Nancy Lopez.
  I fully expect Nancy will continue to serve as a model for Hispanic 
youth, female athletes, and parents striving to provide a nurturing and 
loving environment for their children.

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