H.R. No. 33 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Rio Grande Valley native Valery Tobias has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments as a track and cross country athlete; and WHEREAS, Ms. Tobias first distinguished herself as a runner during her four years at IDEA Quest Academy and College Prep in Edinburg; the daughter of Linda and Emilio Tobias, she won three state titles in the 800-meter event for Class 3A and was the top-ranked high school runner at that distance in 2018; she also finished fourth in the 400 meters and the high jump at the 2018 state meet and was a regional champion in cross country; and WHEREAS, Following her graduation, Ms. Tobias went on to compete at The University of Texas at Austin; as a Longhorn, she captured several program records and won gold in the 1,000 meters at the 2023 Big 12 Indoor Championship; moreover, she was part of the distance medley relay team that won the 2020 Big 12 Women's Indoor title and set a new school record; in 2022 and 2023, she was named to the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-American First Team in both the indoor and outdoor 800-meter races, and she was selected to the All-Big 12 Academic First Team in 2020 and 2022; and WHEREAS, Since concluding her collegiate career, Ms. Tobias has joined the professional ranks by signing with the Brooks Beasts Track Club, and she is focusing on qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris; and WHEREAS, Through her skill, determination, and commitment to excellence, Valery Tobias has distinguished herself as one of the nation's premier middle distance runners, and she is a source of great pride to her many supporters in the Rio Grande Valley; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby honor Valery Tobias for her achievements as a track and cross country athlete and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Tobias as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Longoria ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 33 was adopted by the House on November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House