On Friday, state Sen. Cathy Young visited Panama Central School to present the Lady Panthers and coach Tammy Hosier with a New York State Senate resolution to commemorate the team’s undefeated season and state Class D Championship. It was the team’s first state title in school history.

Students decked in white and blue filled the auditorium seats and cheered proudly as Young honored the team for their successful season. Young told members of the volleyball team that they’re permanently marked in the state history record in Albany.

“You have a perfect record and you are the first team in the history of Panama Central School to achieve a state title. That is really awesome and very special,” Young said. “I know that your slogan was TEAM; together, everyone achieves more. That’s so true because when you play a team sport, you know that you have to work together. Also, you have to show who you are as individuals because you have to dig down deep, you have to work so hard, you have to be dedicated, you have to persevere, and you came from behind.”

In November, the Lady Panthers captured the state crown after coming from behind to beat Argyle Central School. Losing the first set of the match and falling behind, 2-1, the Lady Panthers overcame the deficit and won the final two games, 25-13 and 25-14.

The team dominated their non-league and regular league schedule. They went on to secure the Section 6 title, the Far West Regional and the state Class D crown without suffering a single loss. The “team first” mantra instilled in the team kept them focused on their overall goals. Hosier said the support received from the Panama community and beyond is heartwarming.

“This volleyball season was amazing in so many ways,” Hosier said. “We were undefeated and won a state title and did it as a ‘TEAM.’ Our success was due to our team first philosophy and the fact that our entire team bought into our mantra.”

Young gave each member a certificate commemorating their remarkable season and met with each player to congratulate them.

“Every student needs to know that you’re special, you’re unique and what you learn as a team will take you so far in your lives because of those credits and those skills and that ability that you show,” Young said. “Your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can check the state record and know that the Lady Panthers won the state title in volleyball.”