This morning, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a celebratory event at the White House where she honored the accomplishments of NCAA championship teams from the 2023-2024 season. Addressing a crowd of athletes, coaches, and supporters, the Vice President conveyed her and President Joe Biden's congratulations to the student athletes on their exceptional achievements.
In a speech recognizing both the personal and athletic dedication of these young champions, the Vice President highlighted the significant numbers: "7 undefeated teams, 11 repeat champions, and 20 first-time winners." She emphasized the fortitude and teamwork required in such a competitive arena. Mentioning the involvement of some athletes in the upcoming 2026 Paris Olympics, she said "Later this month, six of you will represent our nation at the 2024 Olympics in Paris," as reported by the White House.
The Vice President took a moment to acknowledge President Biden's inability to attend due to his recovery, stating, "Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history," according to the White House. She alluded to her personal connection through Beau Biden and lauded President Biden's integrity and commitment to the nation, a testament inadvertently underscoring his absence at an event celebrating an athletic pinnacle he surely would have reveled in.
Praising the athletes' collective journey to championship glory, Harris highlighted the community aspect of sports and the support systems that contribute to their success. She encouraged attendees to applaud the friends, families, coaches, and teachers who have supported the athletes, stating, "Today, you are surrounded by the people who stood by you every step of this journey," as mentioned in the White House.
To conclude the event, Vice President Harris welcomed to the stage Jordynn Dudley, of the Florida State University women’s soccer team and the U-20 Women’s National Team, offering her a moment in the spotlight amid her peers to represent their collective journey to excellence and the potential that lies ahead for all the student athletes present.
