SR98: SR98 Paine College Women's Golf Team; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a law that changes anyone's rights or responsibilities. It honors the Paine College women's golf team for a series of tournament wins between 2023 and 2024, including the Division II Women in Golf National Championship and other invitationals, and recognizes two players, Ashley Michel and Helena Rios, as the first female All-Americans in the program's history. The resolution also praises Head Coach Andre Lacey II, an Augusta native and Paine College alumnus described as the only Black PGA Professional in Augusta since 2016, for his work with players and the community. The Senate formally commends the team and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the team for distribution.

• Formally commends the Paine College women's golf team for tournament victories from 2023 to 2024, including a national championship.
• Recognizes players Ashley Michel and Helena Rios as the first female All-Americans in Paine College golf history.
• Praises Head Coach Andre Lacey II for his leadership, community outreach, and connection to Augusta's Black golf history.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the golf team.
• Extends the Senate's best wishes for the team's future success but creates no funding, penalty, or change to Georgia law.

The resolution directly names the Paine College women's golf team, players Ashley Michel and Helena Rios, and Head Coach Andre Lacey II. It also references Paine College, an HBCU (historically Black college or university), and the Secretary of the Senate, who must distribute copies of the resolution.

This resolution is symbolic rather than legally binding. Its practical effect is limited to an official Senate acknowledgment and a printed copy given to the team, offering public recognition of their achievements rather than any change to funding, rules, or rights.

• The whereas clauses describe the team's 2023 to 2024 tournament wins, including the Division II Women in Golf National Championship and the Stitch Invitational.
• The resolution notes the team's third-place NCCAA Championship finish after a scorecard playoff and the All-American honors earned by two players.
• It highlights Head Coach Andre Lacey II's background and recognition from the Lucy C. Laney Museum of Black History.
• The resolved clause formally commends the team and wishes them future success.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the team.

1. 2025-02-04Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-03Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)Primary sponsor
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)

• Paine College
• women's golf
• HBCU athletics
• Georgia Senate resolution
• Augusta sports