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 senior swimmers from Campbell and Lassiter. Luke Watkins won the state title in the 100-yard breaststroke for the Spartans, and Finnly Jollands snagged two individual and two relay-team state championships for the Trojans.
Luke Watkins, Swimming, Campbell
Capping his senior swimming career with the state championship in the 100-yard breaststroke, Luke has had an amazing four years at Campbell in and out of the pool. He has been a consistent top finisher at major competitions, including the top ten at County Championships all four years of high school, with notable finishes of 1st and 2nd his senior year. He qualified for the State Finals every year, with a third-place finish in the 500 Free his junior year and 1st place in the 100 Breast this year. He is a two-time Scholastic All-American and has been named to the Georgia Swimming All-Star team four times. Luke is also part of the IB program at Campbell, where he maintains a high level of academic rigor and accomplishment.
"Luke has been a cornerstone of the Campbell Swim and Dive Team since his freshman year, contributing not just through his stellar performances but also through his leadership," said his coach, Spencer Tolbert. "He has the rare ability to inspire both by example and through his words. Whether at practice or during competition, Luke encourages his teammates and provides valuable advice to help others improve. He holds himself to the highest standards and consistently motivates the team to push their limits."
"His commitment to excellence in all areas of his life is evident, and his peers look up to him not only for his athletic success but for his character and integrity. He is always willing to lend a hand, whether helping a teammate improve in the pool or offering support in the classroom. Luke’s work ethic and commitment to swimming have led him to countless accomplishments, but it is his humility, dedication, and perseverance that truly set him apart. He continues to aim higher, with goals to qualify for the 2025 Summer Junior National Championship in Los Angeles. Luke’s story is one of incredibly hard work, discipline, and passion, and we are so proud of all he has achieved!" concluded Coach Tolbert about his Athlete of the Week.
Finnly Jollands, Swimming, Lassiter
Senior, Captain, State Champ, School and County Record Holder, Outstanding Student, and much more. Finnly has so many titles it's impossible to choose one that defines her. She won the 5A state championship in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke (setting a new school record); she was also a member of the championship 200 Medley Relay (setting both a new school and county record) and the 400 Freestyle Relay. She is a STEM student with a 4.543 GPA and will swim collegiately at the University of Minnesota.
"Finnly's commitment to the sport and the team shows whenever she is around, and the younger swimmers look up to her. She not only scores us a lot of points, but she encourages others to do their best and to work hard to become better," boasted her coach, Brittany Hughes. "Swimmers like Finnly have helped us with our success throughout the years. She is competitive, confident, and invaluable in her individual and relay events."
"She has been swimming competitively since she was around seven years old. She is also a member of Lassiter’s STEM Academy and was on the Trojan Mountain Biking team throughout high school. She works hard in the classroom and the pool. She is respected and well-liked by her teammates and classmates. Finnly is an outstanding athlete and well-deserving of this award," said Coach Hughes proudly.
Congratulations, Luke and Finnly, on spectacular senior seasons and high school careers! Great job supporting these exceptional student-athletes, Campbell and Lassiter!
