The Baylor Lady Bears are honored by the President for their national championship. (Photo by Teri Preibe)

Baylor Bears honored by the President

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WASHINGTON -- The Baylor Lady Bears were honored at the White House today by the President for their perfect 40-0 national championship season.

“I could not be prouder of this team. And as the father of two daughters, who are tall and beautiful, just like them, it is great to have role models who can show that women can be strong, athletic and competitive, but also play as a team,” said President Barack Obama from the podium in the East Room. “That’s a terrific lesson for my daughters and it’s a terrific lesson for girls everywhere.”

The President commented on the Bears being the first ever to complete a 40-0 season in men's and women's NCAA history and noted he had picked them in his bracket.

“I want to thank all of the outstanding young women who are behind me, and the coach, for making my bracket look good,” joked the President.

He then went on to compliment All-American Brittney Griner, "I can't say enough about Brittany Griner. This young woman is the new face in women's basketball. She blocks shots, she rebounds, she’s got that jump hook, she’s got the dunk.”

“Since they’ve got all five starters coming back, I suspect that they’re the odds-on favorite for my bracket next year,” continued the president.

Head Coach Kim Mulkey presented Obama with a Baylor jersey and commemorative basketball from the team as they posed for photos in front of a packed room of White House staffers and representatives from Texas.

The Lady Bears have been pretty popular on the press circuit -- just last week, Griner took home two ESPYs for Female Athlete of the Year and Female College Athlete of the Year.