SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1997-8639

By Senators Kohl, Zarelli, Jacobsen, Wood, Finkbeiner, Prince, Winsley, Hale, Swecker, Kline, Fairley, Spanel, Thibaudeau, Goings, McAuliffe, Sheldon, Snyder, Prentice, Wojahn, Brown, Patterson, Fraser, Loveland, Heavey, Horn, Franklin, Hargrove, Swanson and Rasmussen

     WHEREAS, The Seattle Reign is the first professional women=s basketball team in the state of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, The Seattle Reign is one of eight teams of the American Basketball League, the premier women=s basketball league in the United States, that has just completed its first season; and

     WHEREAS, The Seattle Reign is composed of 10 women from around the nation, two of whom are former University of Washington basketball players - Tara Davis and Rhonda Smith - and two of whom are Olympic gold medalists - Venus Lacy and Cindy Brown.  Kate Starbird, just graduating from Stanford University, Washington resident and college basketball=s female player of the year, has just signed with the Seattle Reign for next season; and

     WHEREAS, The Seattle Reign women provide a vital and necessary contribution to the state of Washington by serving as positive role models and mentors for girls and boys throughout the state; and

     WHEREAS, The Seattle Reign players and coaches continue to be active throughout the community by visiting schools and speaking to local groups; and

     WHEREAS, The Seattle Reign and the American Basketball League are committed to five key principles: providing affordable family entertainment, giving back to the community through community service, serving as positive role models, being accessible to fans, and providing high-quality, competitive basketball games;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize and express its appreciation for the accomplishments, dedication, spirit, and hard work of the players and coaches of the Seattle Reign; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Seattle Reign players and coaches.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1997-8639,

adopted by the Senate April 25, 1997.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate