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Home > News

U.S. House Passes Rep. McDermott Bill Honoring UW Women’s Softball Team

October 1, 2009

The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously (421-0) passed a resolution, H. Res. 517, introduced by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) honoring the University of Washington’s Women’s Softball team for winning the 2009 NCAA Women’s College World Series, the first time in UW history.

Speaking on the House floor, Rep. McDermott said: “The road leading to the first NCAA National Softball Championship in University of Washington history was difficult and, at times, seemingly out of reach.  That’s what the pundits thought, but they didn’t know these outstanding softball players and extraordinary role models.”

He added:  “The Husky team never stopped striving to be the best and no obstacle was too difficult to overcome, including sweeping the best-of-three championship series from top-seeded and top-ranked University of Florida.”

The Seattle Congressman spoke about the positive impact sports have on young people beyond athleticism including personal growth, hard work and team work.  And he reminded colleagues about the ground breaking, visionary impact Title IX has had on women in sports:  “None of the athletes on the UW Softball team were born when Patsy Mink wrote and worked to pass Title IX, in 1972, but they all enjoy the benefits of Mink’s vision. As a result of Title IX, women and girls have greater opportunities to participate in sports.”

The congressman recognized every member of the team by reading their names into the Congressional Record.  They are: Alicia Blake, Ashley Charters, Jenna Clifton, Amanda Fleischman, Lauren Greer, Felecia Harris, Marnie Koziol, Danielle Lawrie, Alyson McWherter, Kimi Pohlman, Jennifer Salling, Taylor Smith, Bailey Stenson, Dani Stuart, Morgan Stuart, Ashley Tuiasosopo, Jessica Ventoza, Ashlyn Watson and Niki Williams. 

The University of Washington Women’s Softball head coach is Heather Tarr and the assistant coaches are Gina Carbonatto and Lance Glasoe; the volunteer assistant is J.T. D'Amico and the student assistant is Dru Hester.

A copy of the resolution is attached.