Bill Text: VA HJR68 | 2022 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Commending Loren Messick LaPorte.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-01-20 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ68ER) [HJR68 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HJR68-Prefiled.html
WHEREAS, in 2021, Loren Messick LaPorte led the James Madison University softball team to become the first unseeded team in Women's College World Series history to win its first two games and reach the national semifinals; and
WHEREAS, a four-time First Team All Old Dominion Athletic Conference shortstop, Loren LaPorte helped the Roanoke College Maroons win conference championships in 2005 and 2006; she began her softball coaching career as an assistant coach at her alma mater, then served as an assistant coach at Radford University for three seasons; and
WHEREAS, Loren LaPorte joined James Madison University (JMU) as an assistant coach of the softball team in 2013 and helped oversee significant growth and development in the program, until she was selected as head coach in 2017; and
WHEREAS, during her four seasons as head coach of the JMU Dukes, Loren LaPorte compiled a record of 148–34, including a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) conference record of 56–4; the team has achieved two CAA championship titles, three National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regional appearances, and two NCAA super-regional appearances; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, Loren LaPorte and the JMU Dukes advanced to the Women's College World Series and defeated No. 1 Oklahoma by a score of 4–3 in a stunning upset and followed up with a 2–1 victory over No. 5 Oklahoma State, becoming the first unseeded team in tournament history to reach the semifinals; and
WHEREAS, Loren LaPorte was named the CAA Coach of the Year in 2018, 2019, and 2021 and several of her student-athletes have earned individual accolades during her tenure as head coach; she has been a trusted mentor to the members of the JMU softball team, ensuring her student-athletes achieve success both on and off the softball field; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Loren Messick LaPorte for her outstanding accomplishments as head coach of the James Madison University softball team; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Loren Messick LaPorte as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her dedication to helping young women at James Madison University achieve their fullest potential.
