Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Naples High School Softball Team for winning this year’s Class 4A Florida State Championship last week.

Thanks to the pitching of sophomore Jaclyn Traina, who had 10 strikeouts in seven innings, and the hitting of senior Ashley Pinkerton, who had a batting average over .400 for the season, the Golden Eagles beat Pembroke Pines 5-2 and cinched their 12th overall state championship title.

With fierce determination and spirit, the Golden Eagles Softball Team worked together to defeat the No. 1 ranked school in the country.

Any of us who have played competitive sports understands the valuable lessons of hard work, teamwork and commitment. These memories and lessons will stay with these players for the rest of their lives and are made all the sweeter by their incredible win.

Madam Speaker, I know the people of Southwest Florida join me in offering our heartiest congratulations to the Naples High School Softball Team, their coaches, students and fans. We couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments this season.