Congratulating The University of Texas at El Paso women's volleyball team on advancing to the 2024 NCAA Division I tournament.

89(R) HR 1286 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 1286

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The University of Texas at El Paso women's

volleyball program achieved a new level of success during the 2024

season, as the Miners advanced all the way to the NCAA Division I

Women's Volleyball Championship tournament; and

WHEREAS, In the course of an unforgettable year, the UTEP

players repeatedly surpassed expectations; their inspired play

during the regular season included a 13-game winning streak and 20

consecutive home victories, and they were the first Division I team

to reach 20 wins; in recognition of their efforts, the Miners

received an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament, securing their

spot in the "Big Dance" for the first time in team history; and

WHEREAS, On December 6, UTEP took the court against the

University of Oklahoma in a first-round matchup; the Miners

showcased their resilience in a hard-fought contest, opening with a

25-19 decision in the first set and claiming the second frame 25-22

for a 2-0 lead; after dropping sets three and four, the UTEP players

gave their all in the fifth and decisive set; though they ultimately

fell short, the Miners ended with a stellar record of 27-6,

underscoring their season-long accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, For UTEP, Kaya Weaver was named the Conference USA

Defensive Player of the Year and an All-American Honorable Mention

pick, Kalia Kohler, Madison Hill, Sara Pustahija, and Ema Uskokovic

earned academic all-district selection, and Mattie Gantt and Ms.

Kohler were conference co-setters of the week; the Miners also

received vital contributions during their campaign from the other

roster members: Jordan Imperial, Alyssa Sianez, Ava Martindale,

Deanna Almaguer, Torrance Lovesee, Alexis Massey, Lauren Wallace,

Iana Loera, Hannah Crowe, Lauren Perry, Landry Braziel, Luvina

Oguntimehin, and Danika Washington; these dedicated athletes were

guided by head coach Ben Wallis, assistant coaches Nick Petrovic,

Courtney Johnson, and Lexie Torres, graduate assistant coach Alex

Gantt, and manager Jorge Araiza; and

WHEREAS, Playing with exemplary skill, determination, and

teamwork, the UTEP women's volleyball squad has earned a place

among the best Division I teams in the country, and the Miners'

achievements are a source of great pride for the university's

students, alumni, and fans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby congratulate The University of Texas at El Paso

women's volleyball team on advancing to the 2024 NCAA Division I

tournament and extend to the players, coaches, and staff sincere

best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas

House of Representatives.

Perez of El Paso

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1286 was adopted by the House on May

23, 2025, by a non-record vote.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House