The 2007 NCAA Champion University of Tennessee Lady Volunteer basketball team enjoyed a day at the White House and meeting President Bush on Friday.

Upon arrival in the nation’s capital, the Tennessee contingent went to the Library of Congress and to a luncheon held in their honor in the Member’s Room at the Library. The Lady Vols were greeted at the luncheon by a Tennessee delegation comprised of Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tennessee), Congressman John Duncan (R-Tennessee) and Congressman John Tanner (D-Tennessee).

At the White House, UT was treated to a tour of the East Wing and State Rooms before visiting with the President in the South Portico where photographs were taken on the Grand Staircase.

Captains Sidney Spencer and Dominique Redding presented President Bush with an autographed basketball and personalized jackets for he and the First Lady.

In the President’s remarks to the Tennessee group he applauded the team for their championship and encouraged them to be champions on and off the court as they serve as role models and leaders.

The Lady Vols were then presented to the attending dignified guests, who gave them a standing ovation, on the South Lawn.

Congressman Zach Wamp also joined in the festivities and was seated with Sen. Alexander. As the team made their entrance, the U.S. Marine Band played a resounding rendition of Rocky Top. The President was joined on the dais by team captains representing each of the NCAA Championship teams in attendance.

Also present were Arizona State University Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field Team, Brown University Women’s Crew Team, Duke University Women’s Golf Team, John Hopkins University Men’s Lacrosse Team, Oregon State University Baseball Team, University of Alaska Men’s and Women’s Rifle Teams, and University of Minnesota Wrestling Team.

In his remarks on the South Lawn, the President referenced to the longevity of excellence of Coach Pat Summitt and her Tennessee teams throughout the years.

This marked the seventh time a Lady Vol basketball team has been honored at the White House. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan welcomed UT’s first NCAA title Lady Vol team; in 1989 and 1991, President George H. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush included the Lady Vol NCAA Champions in welcoming Millie’s puppies and dedicating the White House outdoor basketball court, respectively, and in 1996, 1997 and 1998 President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore we on hand to laud Tennessee’s three consecutive titles.

Lady Vols at the White House
- Photo2 by UT