CELEBRATING THE CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE LADY CRUSADERS

On 2025-04-29, Representative Ben Cline (R-VA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE LADY CRUSADERS" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE LADY CRUSADERS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [House] [Pages H1689-H1690] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE LADY CRUSADERS (Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Christendom College Lady Crusaders women's basketball team on their extraordinary [[Page H1690]] achievement in capturing the 2025 USCAA National Championship, their second consecutive national title. Under the leadership of Head Coach Mary Minick, the Lady Crusaders entered the season ranked number 1 and lived up to the challenge, finishing with an exceptional record of 26-2 and securing three straight victories in the postseason tournament to bring home the title once again. This remarkable team is led by seniors Bridget McCaughey, Regina Bonvissuto, Catherine Thomas, and Miranda Keller, and includes Grace Hatley, Lilly Vander Woude, Mary Pennefather, Georgie Snyder, Libby Kolesar, Audrey Speier, Elizabeth Heisler, and Serena Keller. Miranda Keller was named Student-Athlete of the Year; Regina Bonvissuto was named Honorable Mention All-American; Mary Pennefather was named First Team All-American and Tournament MVP; and Catherine Thomas was named First Team All-American and Women's Basketball Player of the Year. Eight players were also named to the Academic All-American Team: McCaughey, Bonvissuto, Thomas, M. Keller, Pennefather, Kolesar, Speier, and S. Keller. These student athletes demonstrated incredible discipline, teamwork, and commitment both on and off the court. Coach Minick, now in her seventh season, has fostered a winning culture built on faith, leadership, and mentorship. Her guidance, along with Assistant Coaches Annie Heisler and Jeremy Minick, has elevated the program into a true national powerhouse. Congratulations again to the 2025 Christendom Lady Crusaders on this historic season. It is an honor to recognize such an outstanding team and the pride they bring to our community. I wish them continued success in the years to come. Congratulating Salem High School Speech Team Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Salem High School speech team, who just made history by winning their 19th consecutive VHSL State Championship, the most in Virginia history. With a commanding 39-11 win over E.C. Glass, Salem now holds 103 individual State titles, a record capped by senior Claire Rawlins, who earned the school's 100th with her second straight title in impromptu speaking. Joining Claire were State champions Charlie Bain in serious dramatic, Rosalie Botos in prose, and the dynamic duo of Lacy Stratton and Bella Poarch in humorous duo. Rounding out the team's strength were runners-up Hall Blackwood, Rebekah Steinweg, Parneet Gill, Tara Farrokhpoor, and Noah Lovern. Third place finishes went to Connor Smythers and Colton Easter, Brenasha Devlin, Ariana Turner, and Caden Smythers. Also competing were Aly Ory, Zippy Elliot, Tori Iverson, and Lori Lowry, all rising stars, along with Kaelyn Henzey, the team's manager, who made sure every detail of the event ran smoothly. This team is more than a powerhouse. It is a legacy of excellence. Congratulations to Salem, whose voices are making history. President Trump's First 100 Days Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, today marks 100 days since President Trump returned to the White House, and already the results speak for themselves. In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered where it matters most: securing our border, cutting inflation, restoring American energy independence, rebuilding our economy, and enforcing the rule of law. We are seeing the most secure border in our Nation's history, a manufacturing boom, and real relief for families who spent years struggling under failed leadership. House Republicans are proud to be working with President Trump to keep our promises to the American people by strengthening our economy, protecting our communities, and restoring America's standing in the world. Mr. Speaker, America is getting stronger every day, and we are just getting started. ____________________