August 19, 2026 — The 2026-2027 GHSA softball season is well underway, and there is a lot to be excited about in the 5A and 6A classifications for Cobb Schools. With several changes to regions and a few reclassifications, this softball season spotlight will explain the moves, share coaches’ expectations, and reveal players to watch as the teams strive for a chance to compete for a championship in Columbus later this year.
5A Softball Feeling Fresh
The diamond girls from Allatoona High School return in the 5A classification and look to improve on last season's 20-7 record and second-place finish in Region 7. The Buccaneers earned a spot in last season’s Fast Pitch Softball Playoffs and won their first round matchup before being eliminated in the best-of-three second round series that went the distance.
According to Allatoona Head Coach Bradley Strickland, leadership from his four seniors — Avery Austin, Sam Chilver, Sophie Macurak, and Kinsley Yoakum — is the strength of the team and puts them in position to advance further in the postseason. Avery, in particular, is showing leadership through a position change as she moves from behind the plate to the shortstop position this season.
“We expect to compete each and every game,” Coach Strickland stated. “We have a strong core coming back this year, so that will help with the growth of the younger players coming in.”
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Speaking of young players, the Sprayberry Yellow Jackets are the only other Cobb School in 5A this season, and they have a roster full of freshmen and sophomores. Sprayberry Head Coach Kerri Nidiffer’s team is one focused on growth and development while pursuing wins on the scoreboard. With just three upperclassmen on the roster, the Yellow Jackets will lean heavily on the exuberance of their youth.
“One of the biggest strengths of our team is our work ethic,” Coach Nidiffer said proudly of her team. “We have girls who are willing to put in the work, hold each other accountable, and step up when needed. Two underclassmen who will make significant impacts on the field – sophomore Sarah Long and freshman Kristian Dorsey. Their combined athleticism and experience in high-level softball will enable them to step up when the team needs them most.”
Sarah earned All-Region Honorable Mention as a freshman last season and has looked strong from the pitcher’s plate early this season, while Kristian has flashed power and speed from the leadoff spot in the lineup.
6A Softball Strong As Ever
In the 6A classification, Cobb Schools have five teams represented. Osborne and South Cobb will compete in Region 5, while Kell, Lassiter, and Pope will battle in Region 6.
The Kell Longhorns softball program has made the Final Four in the state championships each of the past three seasons. With two fourth-place finishes, followed by last year’s runner-up finish, the Longhorns look to take the next step and claim another title, something they did in back-to-back seasons in 2003 and 2004. Kell Head Coach Kevin Foster is excited about his roster that gives them that chance.
“Senior pitcher Lyla Morici is going to lead the way,” Coach Foster emphasized. “She holds most of our school records in pitching categories and looks to build upon those. Senior Maggie Willmott is an elite slapper in the leadoff position and plays plus-plus defense at shortstop.”
Lyla is committed to play for Alabama in college, while Maggie has committed to Samford. In addition to these senior leaders, Kell is bolstered by a lineup that will “not be an easy out, from 1-9,” according to their coach.
“As always, our goals and expectations are a region title and a trip to Columbus,” Coach Foster noted, regarding the state’s championship location. “However, we have to take things one step and one game at a time. It will require consistency, resilience, and hard work to achieve both those goals. We are in an incredibly talented region and will face Columbus-level talent almost on a nightly basis.”
One of those strong opponents will be the Lassiter Trojans, whose program won state championships in 2007, 2020, and 2021. Lassiter Head Coach Jason Campbell’s squad is coming off a region championship with a 22-12 record last year. The Trojans won their two-round bracket in the state playoffs but eventually lost in the double-elimination state tournament after three series.
The Pope Greyhounds will also look to be a factor in Region 6. Coming off a 17-11 season, the softball ‘Hounds are hoping to build off the groundwork they formed last year and make a return to the postseason. After winning three 6A state titles between 2014 and 2022, the Pope program is eager to prove it is still formidable.
“The goal is always to reach Columbus and make a run,” Pope Head Coach Ellie Viland admitted. “Especially with the new Post Season Rankings (PSR) format, our goal is to consistently show up every single day and build momentum so we can be at our best in October.”
To do that, Coach Viland will lean heavily on a core of high-performing players.
“Seniors Marie and Abby Zeigler have been a part of the varsity team for four years,” Coach Viland pointed out. “They bring experience and leadership to the team. Junior Audrey Treadwell is looking to build momentum in the circle, along with senior Sophia Vatistas, sophomore Ella Frances 'EF' Norton, and junior Maggie Cariaco.”
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The Zeigler twins and EF Norton earned second-team All-Region honors in 2025.
In Region 5, Osborne Head Coach Maya Field and South Cobb Head Coach Tammy Hawkins will lead their teams into action. It’s a winnable region where the two Cobb Schools teams can take control.
Cobb Schools Softball is Solid and Built for Beyond
Cobb Schools have won 12 state championships in fast pitch softball since the sport became officially sanctioned by the GHSA in 1994. Eleven of those titles have come in the 5A and 6A classifications. Kell, Lassiter, Pope, and Sprayberry have won nine among them.
With this type of pedigree, there is no doubt that Cobb Schools will continue to be a factor in who takes home the title in the end.
h/t Kell photos provided by Kell High School, Pope photos provided by Teri Gibson
