CHAMPION OF THE WEEK

Quick facts

Record: House Floor
Section type: Floor speeches
Chamber: House
Date: March 25, 2026
Congress: 119th Congress
Why this source matters: This section came from the House floor portion of the record.

Linked context

People mentioned: Sykes, Emilia Strong

Readable version of the official text

Mrs. SYKES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Jada Haines as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.

Jada grew up on the west side of Akron, and as a student-athlete, she

began her basketball journey with Ladies First Akron.

She then went on to a successful career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and continued playing at the University of Northwestern Ohio and the University of Indianapolis.

Through it all, she credits Ladies First Akron with helping instill

in her the love for the game.

Today, she has returned home to coach with Ladies First Akron,

mentoring the next generation of young women student-athletes. She recently helped organize the organization's first Life After Sports Summit, connecting students with local universities for project-based learning opportunities.

Now in its 16th year, Ladies First Akron serves girls in grades three

through eight across the greater Akron area. It is not just about basketball, it is about mentorship, life skills, and preparing young women for success beyond the court.