2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 260

Commending the Independence High School girls' soccer team.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 11, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026

WHEREAS, the Independence High School girls' soccer team capped off an undefeated season by winning the Virginia High School League Class 5 state championship in June 2025; and

WHEREAS, in the 2025 state final, the Independence High School Tigers faced the Kellam High School Knights, who had defeated them in the state semifinal the previous season; and

WHEREAS, the Independence Tigers got the best of the Kellam Knights in the rematch, winning by a score of 3–2 in overtime to finish the season with a perfect 23–0 record; and

WHEREAS, senior midfielder Lilli Lubic, a first team All-Met selection, gave the Independence Tigers an early 2–0 lead, but the Kellam Knights responded in the second half to force the game into overtime; and

WHEREAS, just two minutes into the first of two overtime periods, freshman Morgan Blelloch crossed a free kick into a crowded box, finding sophomore Kimiko Zoder, who headed in the game winner; and

WHEREAS, the victorious season is a tribute to the skill and hard work of all the student-athletes, the leadership and guidance of coaches and staff, and the unwavering support of the entire Independence High School community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Independence High School girls' soccer team on winning the Virginia High School League Class 5 state championship; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ann Vierkorn, head coach of the Independence High School girls' soccer team, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the team's achievements.