Cobb Schools’ Athlete of the Week (AOW) program is a weekly recognition of male and female student-athletes performing at high levels in their sport, classroom, and school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN Sports.
This week’s winners are from Pebblebrook and Sprayberry. Damian Phipps is a junior on the Falcon baseball team, and Mackenzie Moon is a senior on the Yellow Jacket lacrosse team.
Damian Phipps, Baseball, Pebblebrook
In a recent game with South Cobb, Damian hit one home run and had four RBIs. He has played baseball since he was three years old and also plays wide receiver for the Falcon football team. Damian is always prepared and ready to work, whether in practice, a game, or the classroom. He also participates in the Morehouse Upward Bound Program.
"Damian is the kind of young man that any coach would love to have on his team; he is the true definition of a coach’s player," said Falcon Head Coach Anthony Robinson. "He doesn’t hesitate to do what is asked of him, and he has a strong work ethic and natural leadership skills that make everyone around him better."
"Beyond his impressive stats, Damian brings a positive attitude and unwavering commitment to every practice and game. He is the kind of student his teachers enjoy having in class. He is a de facto leader in and out of the classroom. His classmates and teammates have only positive things to say about him. Damian encourages other players on the team, and he is a great role model," Coach Robinson said in conclusion about his Athlete of the Week.
Mackenzie Moon, Lacrosse, Sprayberry
As a key player on the Yellow Jacket lacrosse team throughout her high school career, Mackenzie has 14 total goals, two assists, and eight draw controls. A fierce competitor on the field, she is also a supportive friend off the field. She has won various team awards, including the Team Mom Award, Ballistic Missile Award, and Coaches Award. In the classroom, Mackenzie is known for balancing academics and athletics while also taking on leadership roles such as Beta Club Officer and PAC Leadership Team member. While at Sprayberry, she has also been involved in the Chamber Orchestra (1st and 2nd chair), National Honor Society, Varsity Volleyball, and Pickleball.
"Mackenzie is an excellent role model for our team," said her coach, Marta Barbosa. "She shows up early, stays late, and always encourages her teammates to push harder. Her leadership on the field is unmatched. She’s the one who hypes the team up before games, always reminding them that they are capable of anything. If someone’s having a tough time, Mackenzie is the first to check in and make sure they’re okay."
"She is motivated not just by her love for lacrosse but to be an example for the younger athletes. She often stays after practice to help new players develop their basic skills. Mackenzie embodies what it means to be a Sprayberry athlete—dedicated, hardworking, and a true leader both on and off the field," said Coach Barbosa proudly.
Well done, Damian and Mackenzie! Your hard work is paying off and you are both great examples of what it takes to be a standout student-athlete in Cobb. Thank you for supporting and encouraging these students, Pebblebrook and Sprayberry!
