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H. R. No. 119 *HR26/R2722* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Bell (65th)
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 119
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MS. SHASTA 1
AVERYHARDT FOR HER ELITE ATHLETICISM, PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS AND 2
ENDURING INFLUENCE AS A MEMBER OF THE LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLF 3
ASSOCIATION AND AS A TRAILBLAZING MEDIA INFLUENCER AND ADVOCATE 4
FOR WOMEN IN SPORTS. 5
WHEREAS, the Mississippi House of Representatives takes great 6
pride in recognizing individuals whose extraordinary 7
accomplishments reflect excellence, perseverance and an unwavering 8
commitment to uplifting others; and 9
WHEREAS, Ms. Shasta Averyhardt, whose journey into the game 10
of golf began at the age of seven in Flint, Michigan, developed a 11
deep and abiding passion for the sport, guided by the steadfast 12
encouragement of her parents and fueled by a relentless dedication 13
to excellence; and 14
WHEREAS, through years of disciplined training and 15
competitive play on junior and amateur tours, Ms. Averyhardt 16
distinguished herself as a formidable competitor, capturing 17
multiple tournament victories and laying the groundwork for an 18
exceptional career in the sport of golf; and 19
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WHEREAS, her talents carried her to Jackson State University, 20
one of Mississippi's distinguished Historically Black Colleges and 21
Universities, where she pursued a degree in business with a 22
concentration in accounting while simultaneously establishing 23
herself as one of the most accomplished collegiate golfers in 24
program history; and 25
WHEREAS, during her collegiate career, Ms. Averyhardt 26
achieved an extraordinary record of nine tournament victories, 27
including four individual Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) 28
championships, and set a conference record with a score of 29
six-under-par, firmly cementing her legacy as one of the premier 30
student-athletes to represent the university; and 31
WHEREAS, in 2011, Ms. Averyhardt reached one of the highest 32
honors in professional golf by earning her coveted Ladies 33
Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour card, becoming only the 34
fourth African-American woman to reach this milestone, thereby 35
blazing a trail of inspiration and expanding opportunities for 36
women of color in the sport; and 37
WHEREAS, throughout her professional career, Ms. Averyhardt 38
has demonstrated remarkable skill and competitive excellence, 39
winning seven professional tournaments and competing in the 40
prestigious U.S. Women's Open, while also earning the Epson Tour 41
Rising Star Award in 2012 in recognition of her emerging 42
prominence in professional golf; and 43
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WHEREAS, her professional journey reflects both resilience 44
and adaptability, as she briefly stepped away from competitive 45
golf in 2014 to pursue a career in accounting as a tax associate 46
with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, only to return to professional 47
competition in 2017 with renewed determination and passion for the 48
game; and 49
WHEREAS, in recognition of her historic collegiate 50
achievements and lasting contributions to athletics, Jackson State 51
University proudly inducted Ms. Averyhardt into the JSU Sports 52
Hall of Fame in 2018, celebrating her enduring legacy as one of 53
the institution's most distinguished athletes; and 54
WHEREAS, continuing her global impact within the sport, Ms. 55
Averyhardt competed during the 2023–2024 season on a part-time 56
basis with the Ladies European Tour while simultaneously engaging 57
in numerous golf-related initiatives, including media appearances, 58
mentorship and youth outreach designed to grow the game among 59
younger generations; and 60
WHEREAS, beyond the golf course, Ms. Averyhardt has become a 61
respected media personality and influencer, using her voice and 62
platform to advocate for women in sports, promote opportunities 63
for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and encourage 64
health, wellness and empowerment among aspiring athletes; and 65
WHEREAS, her multifaceted pursuits and compassionate spirit 66
extend beyond athletics, as she embraces travel, community 67
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ST: Shasta Averyhardt; commend success of as a
professional golfer and media influencer.
engagement and animal welfare, embodying the values of integrity, 68
generosity and leadership; and 69
WHEREAS, through every chapter of her journey, Ms. Averyhardt 70
has demonstrated the character of a champion, proving that 71
perseverance, discipline and faith can transform a childhood dream 72
into a legacy that inspires countless others to pursue their 73
purpose with courage and conviction; and 74
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 75
honor and recognize individuals whose accomplishments bring 76
distinction to their profession, inspiration to their communities 77
and encouragement to future generations of leaders and athletes: 78
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 79
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 80
commend and congratulate Ms. Shasta Averyhardt for her elite 81
athleticism, remarkable professional accomplishments as a member 82
of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, and her growing 83
influence as a media personality and advocate for women in sports, 84
and extend best wishes for continued success in all her future 85
endeavors. 86
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 87
furnished to Ms. Shasta Averyhardt and to the members of the 88
Capitol Press Corps. 89