Floor Speech2026-06-02

RECOGNIZING THE SANTA GERTRUDIS ACADEMY LIONS SOFTBALL TEAM

Context

On 2026-06-02, Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE SANTA GERTRUDIS ACADEMY LIONS SOFTBALL TEAM" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E509] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SANTA GERTRUDIS ACADEMY LIONS SOFTBALL TEAM ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Santa Gertrudis Academy Lions Softball Team for winning the 2026 UIL Class 3A Division II State Championship. The Lions captured the state title with an impressive 8-1 victory over Coahoma High School, ending the Bulldogs' three-year championship streak and securing the Santa Gertrudis Lions second ever state softball championship. The victory was especially meaningful for the team's senior leaders, who avenged a loss to Coahoma in the 2023 state championship game and demonstrated remarkable resilience in pursuing their goal of returning to the top of Texas high school softball. This relentless drive paved the way for several players to deliver outstanding performances during the championship game. Among them, senior K'Lee Bazan earned Most Valuable Player honors after going 4- for-4 at the plate with three runs batted in (RBIs), including a pivotal home run that helped spark the Lions' offensive surge. Senior Lexi Ruiz also provided a dominant performance in the circle, pitching 5.1 innings while striking out five batters and limiting Coahoma's offense. I would also like to recognize Head Coach Thomas De Los Santos for his exceptional leadership. This championship marks the second state title under his guidance and reflects the culture of excellence, discipline, and determination that he has built within the program. The success of the Lions is a testament not only to athletic talent, but also to the commitment of the coaching staff, parents, school administrators, and supporters who have helped these young women succeed both on and off the field. Mr. Speaker, the Santa Gertrudis Academy Lions have represented their school, their families, and South Texas with distinction. Their championship season serves as an example of what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. I wish these outstanding student-athletes continued success in their future endeavors and commend them for this remarkable achievement. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE SANTA GERTRUDIS ACADEMY LIONS SOFTBALL TEAM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E509] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SANTA GERTRUDIS ACADEMY LIONS SOFTBALL TEAM ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Santa Gertrudis Academy Lions Softball Team for winning the 2026 UIL Class 3A Division II State Championship. The Lions captured the state title with an impressive 8-1 victory over Coahoma High School, ending the Bulldogs' three-year championship streak and securing the Santa Gertrudis Lions second ever state softball championship. The victory was especially meaningful for the team's senior leaders, who avenged a loss to Coahoma in the 2023 state championship game and demonstrated remarkable resilience in pursuing their goal of returning to the top of Texas high school softball. This relentless drive paved the way for several players to deliver outstanding performances during the championship game. Among them, senior K'Lee Bazan earned Most Valuable Player honors after going 4- for-4 at the plate with three runs batted in (RBIs), including a pivotal home run that helped spark the Lions' offensive surge. Senior Lexi Ruiz also provided a dominant performance in the circle, pitching 5.1 innings while striking out five batters and limiting Coahoma's offense. I would also like to recognize Head Coach Thomas De Los Santos for his exceptional leadership. This championship marks the second state title under his guidance and reflects the culture of excellence, discipline, and determination that he has built within the program. The success of the Lions is a testament not only to athletic talent, but also to the commitment of the coaching staff, parents, school administrators, and supporters who have helped these young women succeed both on and off the field. Mr. Speaker, the Santa Gertrudis Academy Lions have represented their school, their families, and South Texas with distinction. Their championship season serves as an example of what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. I wish these outstanding student-athletes continued success in their future endeavors and commend them for this remarkable achievement. ____________________