[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25426]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST HEATHER O'REILLY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, November 20, 2004

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Heather O'Reilly, 
one of America's most talented rising soccer players and student-
athletes. Heather has been a vital member of the U.S. national soccer 
team and the University of North Carolina soccer team.
  Heather, along with her teammates, earned the 2004 Olympic Gold medal 
in soccer. During the semifinal game against Germany, Heather netted 
the key goal in overtime, sending the team into the Olympic gold metal 
soccer finals. She has been apart of the national team since 2002 and 
has scored over eighteen goals.
  Born in East Brunswick, New Jersey, on January 2, 1985, Heather lived 
with her parents, Andrew and Carol O'Reilly and three brothers. She 
attended East Brunswick High School, where she played soccer and 
basketball. Heather is one of New Jersey's finest players; she was All-
Conference, All-County, and All-State all four years. She was a three-
time NSCAA All-American and a Parade All-America. As a senior, Heather 
was the Parade National Player of the Year and the Gatorade National 
High School Girl's Soccer Player of the Year. She scored 143 goals in 
High School and led the Lady Bears to a state championship in 2001. She 
was the top soccer college recruit in the country.
  At the University of North Carolina, despite suffering an injury, 
Heather helped lead the Tar Heels to a perfect record (27-0-0) and a 
Division I NCAA Championship. She earned All-American honors and named 
Freshman Player of the Year from numerous soccer organizations across 
the country. On November 13, 2004, she tied the NCAA tournament record 
for most assists in a game in the Tar Heels' quest for another 
championship.
  Apart from playing soccer, Heather is a model student-athlete. While 
in high school, Heather was a member of National Honor Society and now 
as a college student, she continues to maintain a strong grade point 
average.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire 12th district of New Jersey, I 
would like to recognize Heather O'Reilly for her Olympic gold metal in 
soccer, and commend her for representing the state of New Jersey and 
our country with pride and excellence.

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