83R16120 JH-D
By: Anderson H.R. No. 1547
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Lady Bears basketball team of Baylor University
enjoyed a successful 2012-2013 season, as it claimed the Big 12
regular season and tournament championships, compiled a 32-game
winning streak, and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division
I basketball tournament; and
WHEREAS, Entering the season with an experienced and
exceptionally talented lineup, the Baylor team consisted of nine
returning players, including four seniors, from the squad that
claimed the 2012 national championship; this veteran crew dominated
opponents throughout the regular season, losing just one game and
tallying a perfect 18-0 record against conference foes to finish
first in the Big 12 standings; and
WHEREAS, The postseason got underway with the Lady Bears
claiming the conference tournament title for the third year in a
row; in the NCAA tournament, Baylor scored two decisive wins to
reach the "Sweet 16" round of competition before bowing out with a
hard-fought loss against Louisville; the team ended up with a final
record of 34-2 and has tallied an impressive 74 victories over the
past two seasons; and
WHEREAS, Driving the Baylor attack all year long were senior
Brittney Griner and junior Odyssey Sims, both of whom have been
named to three different All-American teams and are finalists for
the Wade Trophy, which goes to the nation's top player; Ms. Griner,
who is also in contention to win a second consecutive Naismith
Women's College Player of the Year Trophy, finished her collegiate
career as the all-time leader in blocked shots and dunks and as the
second most productive scorer in the history of Division I women's
basketball; Ms. Sims averaged 12.9 points and 5.8 assists per game
and is looking ahead to her senior year with the Lady Bears; and
WHEREAS, The Baylor athletes were guided by head coach Kim
Mulkey, who is once again a finalist for the Naismith Women's
College Coach of the Year award and the Russell Athletic/Women's
Basketball Coaches Association Division I Coach of the Year honor;
she was the winner of both of those prestigious accolades in 2012;
and
WHEREAS, Playing with determination and teamwork, the Lady
Bears have continued their tradition of excellence on the hardwood,
and they are a source of great pride and excitement for the
students, alumni, and supporters of Baylor University; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Baylor University Lady Bears
basketball team on its achievements during the 2012-2013 season and
extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.