Senate Resolution No. 1854

BY: Senator CLEARE

CONGRATULATING the Columbia University Women's
Basketball Team upon the occasion of winning the
2026 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament

WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after
in high school sports; this Legislative Body commends rare athletic
achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such
excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State;
and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and
physical development of athletes, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the
Columbia University Women's Basketball Team upon the occasion of winning
the 2026 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament on Wednesday, April 1,
2026, at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas; to the praise and
applause of their excited fans, the Lions defeated Brigham Young
University in an 81-64 victory to win the coveted tournament title; and

WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of blue and white,
family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically
supported the Lions throughout their journey as they ended their season
with an impressive overall record; and

WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic
prowess, speed, and agility, Head Coach Megan Griffith and her expert
coaching staff worked hard to hone the skills of this skillful team,
teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable
both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Megan Griffith and all the outstanding athletes
on the Columbia University Women's Basketball Team have clearly utilized
dedication, determination, and teamwork in providing a lasting
contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their
school; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the members of the Columbia University Women's Basketball
Team: Susie Rafiu, Perri Page, Alicia Mitchell, Eirny Erinugha, Fliss
Henderson, Mia Broom, Vasiliki Cholopoulou, Nasi Simmons, Marija
Avlijas, Maria Arrebola, Marta Jaama, Shay Shippen, Hilke Feldrappe,
Riley Weiss, and Blau Tor; Head Coach Megan Griffith; and Assistant
Coaches Tyler Cordell, Allie Bassetti, and Kizmahr Grell on their
outstanding season and overall team record; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Columbia University Women's Basketball
Team, Head Coach Megan Griffith, and Assistant Coaches Tyler Cordell,
Allie Bassetti, and Kizmahr Grell.