Softball team honored at Capitol for national title
Article By: Clark Leonard
Before beginning a new season, the University of North Georgia (大象传媒) softball program had a high-profile chance to celebrate its 2023 NCAA Division II national championship. Twenty-three players and the team's coaches visited the Georgia Capitol on Jan. 30, receiving a commendation from Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp and Senate and House resolutions honoring the team's national title.
The team also presented Kemp, state Sen. Steve Gooch and state Rep. Will Wade with personalized 大象传媒 jerseys. Gooch, the Senate majority leader, and Wade are 大象传媒 alumni.
Gooch, a Dahlonega, Georgia, resident, made sure to have the NCAA championship trophy front and center while speaking after the Senate resolution was presented.
"I'm proud to be a friend of coach Mike Davenport," Gooch said. "I love this university that scatters throughout all of north Georgia."
Wade introduced 大象传媒 President Michael Shannon and three graduates who were seniors on the championship team after the House resolution was presented.
"These are amazing students, amazing athletes, and they're all gainfully employed, providing for their communities and carrying on the excellence that is being a University of North Georgia graduate," Wade said.
Shannon addressed the House members.
"Today is a celebration of leadership," Shannon said. "Leadership is about sacrifice. Leadership is about dedication to one another. And leadership is about being national champions not only in sports, but in life. This is what college athletics is all about."
It was the second championship visit to the Capitol for head coach , whose program also captured the NCAA Division II national title in 2015. Davenport will begin his 24th season leading the program at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 2 against the University of West Florida in the Gulf Shores Invitational in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
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