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TO CONGRATULATE THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING 2016 SEASON.
Whereas, the University of South Carolina women's soccer team had a record-setting 2016 season, with twenty-one wins, fifty-one goals, and one hundred fifty-two points, the most in one season in program history. The Gamecocks made SEC soccer history with seventeen straight victories during the regular season, including a program best of five wins over ranked opponents, marking their longest winning streak ever, giving them the best winning percentage in Division I, and making them the only team to finish the regular season unbeaten; and
Whereas, the Gamecocks reached the NCAA Elite Eight and earned a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed for the first time ever. Carolina's final ranking in the NSCAA poll as No. 5 marks its highest finish in school history. The Gamecocks' eight weeks ranked inside the NSCAA top five were the most among SEC schools; and
Whereas, the Gamecocks have garnered national and regional attention and praise, capturing three SEC Yearly Awards for offense, defense, and coaching, the most in one season in school history; and
Whereas, Carolina has several standout athletes, boasting a program record of three All-Americans, including two First Team honorees. Their two First Team All-Americans were tied for the most in Division I, and the two First Team Scholar All-Americans were the team's most in one season; and
Whereas, Carolina ranked first in average home attendance during the regular season. The Gamecocks are known for hosting one of the top game day atmospheres in the country and have ranked in the top ten for atmosphere in each of the last four seasons; and
Whereas, Coach Shelley Smith was a vital part of the team's stellar season, leading her team to success. As head coach, she is the program's all-time leader in wins, with two hundred two; and
Whereas, Carolina women's soccer, although a relatively new program established in 1995, is already renowned for its achievements. The Gamecocks hold three SEC Championships to their name and have appeared ten times in the NCAA Tournament, with nine of these appearances in the last ten seasons. Carolina has reached the NCAA Elite Eight twice and the NCAA Tournament Round of Sixteen three times. Six Carolina players have earned All-America honors, and four have been tabbed First Team All-Americans; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the pride and recognition that the University of South Carolina women's soccer team has brought to the university and their community and wait with interest to learn of all further accomplishments by the team and its talented student athletes. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the University of South Carolina women's soccer team, coaches, and school officials on an outstanding 2016 season.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Shelley Smith, Athletic Director Ray Tanner, and President Harris Pastides.
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