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SJR 1065

Memorials, Sports - Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions, 2026 Mid-South Conference Champions -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

Tennessee honors Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions for winning the 2026 Mid-South Conference and reaching the NAIA National Tournament Round of 16.

SJR placed on H. consent cal. for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SJR 1065

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution 1065 (SJR 1065) – Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Basic purpose

  • A ceremonial resolution honoring the Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) Lady Lions women's basketball team for winning the 2026 Mid-South Conference Championship and advancing to the Round of 16 in the 2026 NAIA National Tournament.

Key provisions and content

  • Declares the accomplishments of the FHU Lady Lions as worthy of commendation by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • Highlights specific achievements:
    • Finished regular season as co-champions of the Mid-South Conference with a 9-3 conference record after a perfect non-conference slate.
    • Won the Mid-South Conference Tournament by defeating Cumberland (quarterfinals), (RV) Cumberlands (semifinals), and Bethel (Tennessee) (championship) to secure the conference’s automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament.
    • Advanced to the Round of 16 in the NAIA National Tournament, hosting the first two rounds in the tournament site (Sioux City, Iowa) and defeating Rust and Bethel (Indiana) to reach the Round of 16.
  • Names and recognizes specific players for honors:
    • Julie Hampton, Carissa Curtis, Lilly Kee, and others, including multiple players named to First Team and Second Team All-Mid-South Conference and Academic All-Mid-South Conference honors.
    • Mentions individual accolades such as First Team All-American selections and Player of the Week honors.
  • Acknowledges the coaching staff:
    • Head Coach: Abby Stutts
    • Assistant Coach: Darby Phillips
    • Student assistants: Angelina Barr and Aubrey Merritt
  • Notes the academic achievement of the team:
    • Twelve players earned Academic All-Mid-South Conference honors.
  • Formal legislative action:
    • The resolution expresses gratitude and best wishes for continued success in future endeavors.
    • The resolution is to be printed with the final clause omitted from copies presented.

Who/what is affected

  • The primary "beneficiary" is Freed-Hardeman University and its women’s basketball program (players, coaches, and staff) recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • The public record reflects state recognition and celebration of the program’s athletic and academic accomplishments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative history (highlights):
    • Introduced and read for first consideration on April 6, 2026.
    • Passed on first consideration on April 9, 2026.
    • Placed on Senate Consent Calendar and transmitted to the House; engrossed and ready for transmission as of April 15, 2026.
    • Passed on Second Consideration and referred to Senate Calendar Committee on April 13, 2026.
    • Senate consent calendar action completed and approved on April 15, 2026.
    • Final consent and signature process completed by April 16, 2026 (as indicated by scheduling on consent calendar).
  • Fate: The resolution has passed both legislative chambers (as indicated by committee and consent calendar actions) and is prepared for presentation with final language to omit House/Senate designation on copies, consistent with memorial resolutions.

Overall takeaway

SJR 1065 is a formal, non-binding commemorative measure praising the Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions for their 2026 Mid-South Conference Championship and NAIA Round of 16 appearance, acknowledging athletic excellence, academic achievement, coaching leadership, and the collaborative effort of players and staff. It serves to publicly recognize and celebrate their accomplishments within the state of Tennessee.

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

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