[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4694]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA COYOTES

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I am proud to 
congratulate the University of South Dakota, USD, Coyotes Women's 
basketball team for making the NCAA Division I tournament. In just 
their second year of eligibility, this is an extraordinary achievement.
  On March 11 the Coyotes faced off against the Denver Pioneers. They 
played remarkably well and defeated their rivals capturing the Summit 
League Championship title, and ultimately clinching an automatic berth 
in the NCAA tournament.
  Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota has continually 
sought and achieved excellence. As my alma mater, I personally can 
attest to the spirit of this world-class institution. Qualifying for 
the NCAA Division I tournament exemplifies the hard work that defines 
the USD community and showcases its prestige.
  I commend the exceptional leadership and vision of president James W. 
Abbott who, in 2006, announced that USD's athletic programs would 
transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. That move made this 
journey to the Big Dance possible. Additionally, director of athletics 
David Herbster along with head coach Amy Williams, assistant coaches 
Brook Atkinson, Josh Hutchinson, and Chuck Love, and graduate assistant 
Tandem Mays helped lead the team through this remarkable season.
  In honor of their dedication and success I would like to congratulate 
each of the outstanding Coyote team members: Bailey Milne, Tia 
Hemiller, Madeleine White, Kelly Stewart, Taylor Moore, Bridget Arens, 
Raeshel Contreras, Jaylah Jackson, Margaret McCloud, Emily Smith, Polly 
Harrington, Nicole Seekamp, Heidi Hoff, and Lisa Loeffler. Their 
tireless work ethic, determination, and skills are second to none. 
Congratulations and Go Yotes!

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