Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), and the Connecticut Congressional delegation joined President Barack Obama today to honor the UConn Women’s Basketball Team for their second straight NCAA Championship and back-to-back undefeated seasons. Senator Dodd, Senator Lieberman, Congressman Larson, and Congressman Courtney joined President Obama and the Huskies at the White House for the event.
“This team is truly the pride of Connecticut!” said Senator Dodd. “Over the last two seasons the UConn Women’s Basketball team, under the leadership of Coach Auriemma, has solidified its reputation as one of the greatest women’s basketball programs in NCAA history. They deserve this honor and I hope to see them back here next year after winning their third consecutive NCAA Championship.”
“The State of Connecticut cannot be more proud of the Huskies both on and off the basketball court as student-athlete role models,” said Senator Lieberman. “I’m happy to join with the delegation in welcoming Coach Auriemma and these talented young women to Washington and congratulating them on another championship season.”
“I congratulate the UConn women’s basketball team on two extraordinary years of victories, made possible only through each young woman’s perseverance, sacrifice, and commitment to the team ideal. These young athletes are not role models to generations of women because they are winners – They are winners because they are role models,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “They have shown that, through hard work and dedication to a common goal, anything is possible, and I look forward to seeing them in action again next season.”
“Today, the University of Connecticut Women’s basketball team was honored for their accomplishments on the court and in the classroom. This team is made up of generous winners who exemplified sportsmanship that should be emulated by young athletes throughout our nation. I am proud I had the opportunity to join the team, the coaches, Athletic Director Hathaway and the rest of Husky Nation at the White House in celebrating their championship. I am confident next year’s team will build on the success of previous teams, defend their title, and welcome an invitation from President Obama to the White House for a third straight year,” said Congressman Larson.
"The lady Huskies may be invited to the White House more frequently than I am, but I can't compete with back to back undefeated seasons and national championships. I congratulate the team and UConn on their success and thank them for all that they do for our state,” said Congressman Murphy.
“It is not easy to improve on perfection, but that’s exactly what the UCONN Huskies did in 2010. After an undefeated season and a National Championship in 2009, Coach Geno Auriemma’s squad not only won another 39-consecutive games and a title, but they also boast co-players of the year in Tina Charles and Maya Moore. Though their success on the court is unparalleled, perhaps the squad’s greatest accomplishment is a 100-percent graduation rate. Coach Auriemma has built a basketball dynasty in eastern Connecticut, and his team is an inspiration to student-athletes everywhere,” said Congressman Courtney.
“Congrats to these spectacular athletes—you’re making all of Connecticut proud,” said Congressman Himes. “As the father of two young girls, I appreciate that female athletes have such successful, hard-working role models right here in our own backyard.”
