Buc Actress and Mustang Swimmer Win Final AOW of 2024
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 Allatoona and Kennesaw Mountain. Mia DeMartino performs One-Act for the Bucs, and Isaiah Tucker swims for the Mustangs.
Mia DeMartino, One Act, Allatoona
While not as high-profile as other GHSA sports, One Act requires just as much discipline, practice, and dedication to craft as any other athletic activity. Mia has been performing since the sixth grade and has been part of Allatoona's Drama and Chorus Department since her freshman year. Now a junior, she has become one of the leaders at the school and won 4A Best Actress at the State One Act competition last month. Her positive attitude and work ethic are evident in the classroom and on the stage. Mia holds a 3.5 GPA and participates in many extracurricular activities.
"She is one of the most talented performers we have had come through our department and never takes it for granted," said Drama Coach Traci Woody-Kemp. "If I am ever having a bad day, I can always count on Mia to make me laugh and genuinely feel better. She is one of a kind, and I am so thankful she is in my life. Anyone who knows Mia knows she is special. She will be on Broadway one day!"
"I have been watching Mia perform since she came to Allatoona as a freshman," said Allatoona Athletic Director Chris Murray. "She is always a bright light every time she steps on stage. She is a great role model for all of our students at Allatoona and an excellent example of what embodies an Allatoona student!"
Isaiah Tucker, Swimming, Kennesaw Mountain
Also a junior, Isaiah recently broke the school record in the 100-yard butterfly at the Indian Invitational with a blazing time of 49.27 seconds. The previous record was set in 2008 by Michael Arnold, one of the best swimmers in Cobb County history. This adds to Isaiah's already-held school record in the 100 backstroke. A few weeks before his historic finish in the butterfly, he claimed three state titles with his club team from Douglas County Swimming. He has been swimming year-round for the last decade and is considered one of the best in the state.
"Isaiah is our best swimmer, but more importantly, he is a terrific teammate and loves being part of the team," said Mustang Swim Coach David Reason. "He leads by example and is always willing to help his teammates out, always with a great attitude. His teammates appreciate him not only for his ability."
"As a coach, I really appreciate how he loves representing his school and knows how his success helps the team's success. Thank you so much for honoring Isaiah. He truly deserves it," concluded Coach Reason about his record-setting Athlete of the Week.
NOTE: Coach Reason was also recently recognized as the 2023-2024 GHSA/NFHS Boys Swim Coach of the Year. The award was presented to him at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 16. Coach Reason is in his 25th year leading the Mustangs and has served as the sole swimming and diving head coach in Kennesaw Mountain history. He has coached 19 individual state champions, coming from 11 swimmers, including his son Brett, who won the 2021 6A State Championship in the 50-yard freestyle, and three state champion divers. Well done, Coach Reason!