LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the 2011 Women's Lacrosse Team at
the University at Albany upon the occasion of achieving an outstanding
season, and historic athletic accomplishments and milestones

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by
dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in honoring talented New
York State college athletes who distinguish themselves, their school,
and their community through outstanding athletic performance; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the 2011 Women's Lacrosse Team at the University at Albany upon the
occasion of achieving an outstanding season, and historic athletic
accomplishments and milestones; and
WHEREAS, The 2011 Women's Lacrosse Team at the University at Albany
compiled an extraordinarily successful season and attained several
historic milestones in its triumphant athletic journey; and
WHEREAS, Included in the Top 10 women's lacrosse teams in the nation
during the 2011 season, the Women's Lacrosse Team at the University at
Albany achieved the number five national ranking; and
WHEREAS, The 2011 Women's Lacrosse Team at the University at Albany
was the first undefeated women's lacrosse team in the history of the
America East Conference; it was the only undefeated Division I women's
lacrosse team in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Making it to the NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Champion-
ship Tournament for the first time in its history, on Sunday, May 15,
2011, the Women's Lacrosse Team at the University at Albany advanced to
the quarterfinals of the tournament with a come-from-behind 10-7 first
round victory over Dartmouth; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Nikki Branchini of the 2011 Women's Lacrosse
Team at the University at Albany became the first All-American in the
history of women's lacrosse at the University at Albany; and
WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by the 2011 Women's Lacrosse
Team at the University at Albany was due in great part to the efforts of
its coaches, skilled and inspirational tutors, respected for their abil-
ity to develop potential into excellence; and
WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the members of the 2011
Women's Lacrosse Team at the University at Albany have proven themselves
to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on
their school; and
WHEREAS, The coaches of the 2011 Women's Lacrosse Team at the Univer-
sity at Albany have done a superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring
the team members toward their goals; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the 2011 Women's
Lacrosse Team at the University at Albany; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and the coaches and the 2011 Women's Lacrosse Team at
the University at Albany's outstanding athletes have clearly made a
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 2011 Women's Lacrosse Team at the University at Albany
upon the occasion of achieving an outstanding season, and historic
athletic accomplishments and milestones; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the members and coaches of the 2011 Women's Lacrosse Team at
the University at Albany and to Lee McElroy, Ed. D., Vice President for
Athletic Administration and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, The
University at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222.