A house RESOLUTION

To honor the Chapin High School Girls lacrosse team for a fantastic season and to congratulate them for winning the 2024 South Carolina Class AAAAA State Championship Title.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were pleased to learn that the Chapin High School girls lacrosse team secured the 2024 South Carolina Class AAAAA State Championship Title on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Irmo High School's W.C. Hawkins Stadium where the championship was held; and

Whereas, this year's motto for the Chapin High School girls lacrosse team is "Light the Fire", and light the fire they did. This season burned exceptionally bright for the Chapin Eagles, finishing with an overall record of 18-2, going undefeated in AAAAA. They finished the season ranked number one in AAAAA, number two in South Carolina, and number twenty-five in the nation; and

Whereas, the championship game was against the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets, whom the Eagles had already beaten on March 12, 2024, with a score of 10-7. The championship game was not as close as their last encounter, with the Eagles coming out on top with a 13-4 victory. The win was the program's second State championship ever and first since 2019; and

Whereas, in addition to the accomplishment of winning a State championship, the Eagles earned numerous awards and acclamations this season. For their fantastic coaching, Head Coach Raven Thomas was named South Carolina High School Lacrosse Coaches Association's Lowerstate Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach Tony Mathis was named Lowerstate Assistant Coach of the Year; and

Whereas, making a sweet victory even sweeter, seven of the players won All-State awards. Senior midfielder Ava-Claire Collins broke several records, including points scored in a single season, career goals, and career caused turn overs. Collins was also one of the twenty-five players named to the 2023 USA Today National team along with All-American honors. She finished the season with ninety-six goals and has two hundred thirty-two career goals; and

Whereas, reflecting on how the team achieved their victory versus Fort Mill, Head Coach Thomas said "The drive and want to win. We've been cut short so many times before. There was nothing going to get in this team's way today;" and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the Chapin High School girls lacrosse team has brought to their school and community. The members look forward to learning about the future accomplishments of these young athletes as they burn even brighter. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the Chapin High School girls lacrosse team for a fantastic season and congratulate them for winning the 2024 South Carolina Class AAAAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Edward Davis Jr. and Head Coach Raven Thomas of Chapin High School.

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