Jimmy Patronis: “I wish a good morning to northwest Florida and rise to offer a special congratulations to the Northwest Florida State…”

“I wish a good morning to northwest Florida and rise to offer a special congratulations to the Northwest Florida State College women's basketball team. On April 1, 2025--actually the same day that I was sworn into office--the Lady Raiders took on Alabama's Shelton State Buccaneers, and took home their third national championship in 5 years, with a final score of 62-53. Their overall record this season was 32-3, which is amazing, with a conference record of 10-2, and a proud 13-0 record at home. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make it to the top. Having a heart for the game and for your fellow teammates goes a very long way. I am very excited about the victory of this team and how they brought it home to northwest Florida. Congratulations to Coach Bart Walker and his coaching staff for all their hard work and leading the team to victory and instilling in them the heart of champions. I congratulate the Northwest Florida State College State championship basketball team on a job very well done. Their incredible win is inspiring. They have made their community and the State of Florida very, very proud. God bless. Go Raiders.”