The resolution noted the state legislature pays tribute to outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement.
The resolution added in full accord with its long-standing traditions the assembly was justly proud to congratulate the Clarkson University women's hockey team and Coach Matt Desrosiers on their success.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently visited the Clarkson University campus to congratulate the Golden Knights women's hockey team on winning their second Division 1 national championship over the past four years.
She praised the team for their success on and off the ice, noting the team holding the national championship trophy also carries a 3.2 team grade point average.
"You know you are something special. You have shown you have the ability to balance so many things in your lives. You have pushed yourselves mentally and physically to put yourselves in the position to be national champions," she told the student-athletes.
"You really have a tremendous amount of lessons learned about what it takes to reach your goals, and I can't wait to see what you do as you move on from Clarkson - you will have the ability to impact so many things," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"The teamwork it takes to win a national championship are also important skills in the workplace and in life, you have shown you have the ability to support each other to achieve great things. I have high hopes for our country and world as more and more women like you move into positions of responsibility," she added.
Clarkson won the national championship be downing Wisconsin 3-0 on March 18 in St. Charles, Mo. The Golden Knights had edged Minnesota 4-3 in the semi-finals of the national tournament.
The Clarkson women's team also captured the ECAC regular season and tournament champions in a season that saw the Golden Knights skate to a 32-4-5 mark.
"Clarkson and the North Country will always have your backs," Assemblywoman Jenne told the players.
Clarkson co-captain Cayley Mercer, a graduate student in the MBA program, said the team appreciates the support ranging from the resolution in the state legislature and being given a ceremonial key to the village of Potsdam to the support they received from the North Country hockey community.
She said the team was also appreciative of the strong community support the team received at it skated to the ECAC and NCAA titles in a sport that often sees teams play in front of a family and friends crowd.
"All of this just makes it even more special. For us, it was fun to be able to put on a show for our fans," Ms. Mercer said.
The national championship team included seniors Corie Jacobson, Jessica Gillham, Genevieve Bannon, Cayley Mercer and McKenzie Johnson; juniors Shea Tiley, Brielle Bellerive, Katelyn Fournier, Amanda Titus, Savannah Harmon and Lauren Lefler; sophomores Loren Gabel, Emma Keenan, Cassidy Vinkle, Rhyen McGill, Kelly Mariani and Josiane Pozzebon; and first-year players, Michaela Pejzlova, Ella Shelton, Katherine Beaumier, Taylor Turnquist and Jenna Brenneman.
The Golden Knights are coached by Matt Desrosiers with assistant coaches Britni Smith and Tony Maci.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne poses for a photograph with members of the national champion Clarkson women's hockey team during a recent visit to the Cheel Campus Center on the Clarkson campus. Pictured are, front row (l-r): Katelyn Fournier, Taylor Turnquist, Loren Gabel, Michaela Pejzlova, Jessica Gillham, Cayley Mercer, Assemblywoman Jenne, Josiane Pozzebon aand Cassidy Vinkle.Back row: Assistant Coach Tony Maci, Assistant Coach Britni Smith, Ella Shelton, Brielle Bellerive, Lauren Lefler, Jenna Brenneman, Emma Keenan, Rhyen McGill and Matt Desrosiers.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne talks with members of the national champion Clarkson women's hockey team.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne presents a citation to Clarkson co-captain Cayley Mercer.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne congratulates Ella Shelton on winning the national championship.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne presents Michaela Pejzlova with her citation.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne reads a citation honoring the coaches and players on the Clarkson women's hockey team for skating to a national title.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne addresses members of the Clarkson women's hockey team.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne talks with members of the national champion Clarkson women's hockey team.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne presents a citation to Clarkson co-captain Cayley Mercer.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne congratulates Ella Shelton on winning the national championship.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne presents Michaela Pejzlova with her citation.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne reads a citation honoring the coaches and players on the Clarkson women's hockey team for skating to a national title.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne addresses members of the Clarkson women's hockey team.
