[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13488]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING THE PHOENIX MERCURY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Phoenix 
Mercury for their championship victory during the 2009 Women's National 
Basketball Association (WNBA) Finals.
  On October 9, 2009, the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever in 
a best-of-five series. The Phoenix Mercury has won the WNBA 
Championship twice in the last three seasons and they are now set to 
solidify their mark in women's basketball. The Mercury proved to be the 
best team in the WNBA from start to finish, ending with the best record 
in their conference and in the league.
  The Mercury succeeded through the dedication, hard work, and passion 
of the players, coaches, and staff. More importantly, this team owes a 
great deal of its success to their fans, which have demonstrated their 
support in record numbers. Arizonans and WNBA fans across the world 
share in the excitement and pride that the Phoenix Mercury displayed 
both on and off the court during this inspiring victory.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the Phoenix Mercury team, 
including Head Coach Corey Gaines and his Assistant Coaches, Julie 
Hairgrove and Bridget Pettis; and players Dawanna Bonner, Candice 
Dupree, Sequoia Holmes, Tameka Johnson, Taylor Lilley, Nicole Ohlde, 
Brooke Smith, Tangela Smith, Ketia Swanier, Penny Taylor, and Diana 
Taurasi.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the remarkable success 
of this team, whose achievements and camaraderie should be models for 
other teams across the country. Congratulations to the Phoenix Mercury 
on an impressive season and best of luck in continuing your 
championship stride.

                          ____________________