[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2335]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2016

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Spring 
Arbor University women's soccer team on their 2015 National Association 
of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship.
  Under the leadership of the NAIA National Coach of the Year, Jason 
Crist, the Cougars earned the program's first-ever national title on 
December 5, 2015. Led by a strong defensive effort, the team recorded 
its 10th consecutive shutout of the season against the defending 
champs, and top-ranked, Lindsey Wilson College.
  With the shutout, Spring Arbor became the only team in NAIA history 
to make it through the tournament without conceding a single goal.
  From tournament MVP and National Player of the year--Bethany Balcer--
scoring two goals, to tournament defensive MVP and goalkeeper--Sarah 
Yancer--refusing to surrender a single goal, the entire team rose to 
excellence in their championship victory.
  The record breaking season for the Cougars concluded with a program-
best 23 wins and included a 19-match winning streak.
  The achievements of the team were not only limited to the field of 
play. Throughout the season, the team carried themselves in a way that 
proudly represented our community and the university. When faced with 
adversity, they responded with integrity, character, and selflessness. 
In the classroom, the team maintained an outstanding 3.5 cumulative 
grade point average.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Spring Arbor 
University women's soccer team on their remarkable accomplishments 
throughout the 2015 season.

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