Michelle Wu: “In this time of war, recession, and national tragedy, it is important for us to emphasize the positive and reflect on…”

“In this time of war, recession, and national tragedy, it is important for us to emphasize the positive and reflect on the great achievements and moments that we have shared in the past year. I rise today to honor the University of Portland's women's soccer team for its outstanding achievement in the intercollegiate championship. On December 8, 2002, the University of Portland women's soccer team captured its first collegiate national soccer championship. This achievement is even more special because it is also the first national championship in any sport for the University of Portland. Under the leadership of head coach, Clive Charles, the University of Portland Pilots, the tournament's number 8 seed, defeated seven nationally ranked opponents, including a 2-1 title game triumph over the reigning champion, Santa Clara University. The Pilots now hold the record as the lowest-seeded team to win the women's national championship in its 21 year history. I applaud Coach Charles for the program he has helped build at the University of Portland.”