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2005 SESSION

050569532
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 851
Offered January 27, 2005
Commending Debbie Ryan.
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Patrons-- Van Yahres and Bell; Senator: Deeds
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WHEREAS, on December 29, 2004, the University of Virginia women's basketball team defeated James Madison University, 98–52, in the title game of the Marriott Cavalier Classic, the 600th victory in the stellar coaching career of Head Coach Debbie Ryan; and

WHEREAS, the women's basketball coach at the University of Virginia since 1977, Debbie Ryan became the 14th women's basketball coach in NCAA Division I history to reach the 600-win milestone; and

WHEREAS, Debbie Ryan has now won more basketball games than any basketball coach, male or female, men's or women's, in Virginia Division I history; and

WHEREAS, with a career record of 600–243 at the beginning of 2005, Debbie Ryan has coached the Cavaliers to 20-win seasons 18 times, has taken the team to the NCAA Division I tournament 20 times, and has coached in the NCAA Final Four three consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, during Debbie Ryan's tenure, 100 percent of Cavalier players who have completed their four-year eligibility have graduated from the University, and many have pursued successful careers in medicine, law, engineering, business, and coaching; and

WHEREAS, responsible for the University of Virginia women's basketball team's rise to national prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, Debbie Ryan has earned the respect and admiration of coaches, players, and administrators nationwide; and

WHEREAS, the Naismith Coach of the Year in 1991, Debbie Ryan has been named ACC Coach of the Year seven times and Virginia State Coach of the Year four times; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her outstanding success at the University of Virginia, Debbie Ryan has coached the USA Basketball women's team in the Pan-American Games, the USA women's team in the World University Games, and the United States Junior National Team; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her contributions to American women's basketball, Debbie Ryan was honored by USA Basketball as its Developmental Coach of the Year for 2001; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Debbie Ryan on reaching another significant milestone in a remarkably successful and ongoing career as women's basketball coach at the University of Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Debbie Ryan as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and best wishes for continued success.