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Bill

SR 2005

Commending the University of Mary Washington men's basketball team.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 35 co-sponsors

The Virginia Senate commends the University of Mary Washington Eagles for winning the 2026 NCAA Division III national championship and achieving a historic season.

Bill text as passed Senate (SR2005ER)
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Bill Summary · SR 2005

Summary of Bill SR 2005 (Virginia Senate)

Basic Information

  • Bill Type: Senate Resolution (SR)
  • Session: 2026 Special Session I
  • Jurisdiction: Virginia
  • Title: Commending the University of Mary Washington men's basketball team
  • Introduced: April 23, 2026
  • Status: Adopted by the Senate (agreed to by block vote)

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution publicly commends the University of Mary Washington (UMW) men's basketball team, the Eagles, for winning the 2026 NCAA Division III National Championship.
  • It notes this as a historic achievement for UMW, marking the first national title for any men’s team at the university and the first national title of any kind for UMW since the women’s tennis title in 1991.
  • The resolution expresses admiration and recognition from the Senate of Virginia for the team’s accomplishments on and off the court.

Key Provisions and Highlights

  • Recognition of Achievement: Specifically acknowledges the team’s national championship victory on April 5, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a 75–73 win over Emory University, including the last-second shot that was highlighted on ESPN SportsCenter.
  • Season Performance: Highlights the team’s 30–3 overall record for the 2025–26 season and an undefeated 16–0 home record at Ron Rosner Arena (Anderson Center). Notes that the team set program records for wins and winning percentage.
  • Rankings and Playoffs: Documents the team’s trajectory from a preseason ranking of 15 in D3Hoops.com to as high as No. 2 during the season, ending the season ranked No. 1 nationally in NCAA Division III.
  • Conference and Tournament Success: Celebrates back-to-back Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Athletic Conference Championships, including a title game win over Christopher Newport University, and advancement to the national championship by defeating top-ranked Trinity College in the national semifinals in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • Hosting and National Attention: Notes that NCAA Division III tournament games were hosted at UMW’s Anderson Center, drawing standing-room-only crowds and national attention to the Fredericksburg campus.
  • Individual Honors: Highlights several players and coaches:
    • Sophomore guard Kye Robinson: surpassed 1,000 career points in 54 games; named C2C Player of the Year; Most Valuable Player of both the C2C Tournament and the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
    • Jay Randall and Ulysses Young: named to the C2C All-Tournament Team.
    • Jay Randall and Kye Robinson: First Team All-Conference.
    • Kaden Bates: C2C Defensive Player of the Year; named to the NCAA Division III National Championship All-Tournament Team along with Jay Randall.
  • Coaching Milestones: Head coach Marcus Kahn achieved his 400th career win in January 2026, a milestone reached by fewer than 31 active NCAA Division III coaches. The coaching staff received multiple honors:
    • C2C Coaching Staff of the Year
    • 2026 Glenn Robinson National Coach of the Year
    • D3Hoops.com 2025–2026 Coach of the Year
  • Academics: Highlights a combined team GPA of 3.261 at the end of the fall 2025 semester.
  • Exposure and Outreach: Describes national exposure from the national championship game, with substantial alumni involvement and extensive media coverage (ESPN+, ESPNU replay, etc.).

Who and What Are Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries: University of Mary Washington and its men's basketball program (players, coaching staff, students, alumni, and supporters).
  • Indirect Impacts: Elevates the university’s profile, potential increased visibility for the Fredericksburg campus, and broader recognition for the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Presentation and Adoption: The resolution was presented on April 23, 2026, laid on the Clerk’s Desk, and agreed to by the Senate via a block vote (voice vote) on the same day.
  • Purpose of Action: A ceremonial recognition, typically followed by the Clerk preparing a copy of the resolution for presentation to the team.

Overall Assessment

SR 2005 serves as an official ceremonial commendation from the Virginia Senate, recognizing the University of Mary Washington Eagles for their historic 2026 NCAA Division III national championship, exceptional season performance, individual and coaching achievements, and the broader positive impact on the university community and state pride.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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