May 1, 2026 — Discipline, resilience, and precision under pressure describe the life of a gymnast. In the 2026 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) State Gymnastics Championships, Cobb Schools gymnasts displayed each of these on their way to high marks and medal finishes. Competing in the combined 5A-6A division, state-qualifying teams from Lassiter, Pope, and Walton each earned impressive results, with podium appearances in both individual and squad events.
Lassiter’s Jolee McCauley won top honors as the 2026 GHSA Individual State Champion for the Uneven Bars. Jolee, a junior, scored a 9.750 to earn the title in a tight but decisive win over second-place finishers who tied with a 9.600 score.
“Jolee is an incredibly talented gymnast and well-rounded young lady,” Lassiter gymnastics coach Alicia Bennett said. “After a fall on bars at the preliminary meet, Jolee knew she had to come back and deliver at state, and she did exactly that. She showed incredible resilience, competing with focus and confidence when it mattered most. Jolee has battled through multiple injuries over the past few years, and her state title is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication she’s put into reaching this goal. She is truly one of the best gymnasts ever to represent Lassiter.”
Pope celebrated as junior Olivia Ferrell placed third in the Floor Exercise event. Olivia’s 9.400 on the Floor earned a spot on the podium and a medal. She also finished fifth in the All-Around competition that includes all four events of the gymnastics meet — Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise.
“Olivia is a Level 10 gymnast,” Pope gymnastics community coach Danielle Connors noted. “She truly thrived this season in her first year competing for the Greyhounds. One of only three all-around gymnasts on the team, Olivia held the highest all-around average all season long. We are so proud of her and all she contributed this season.”
Sophomore Peyton Wyatt also shone for Pope, helping the team place fifth in the state competition.
The Walton squad brought home a third-place finish in the state team competition. On the strength of notable performances across all four events, Walton’s gymnasts delivered thrilling routines throughout the rotation. The team finished second in Vault (28.175) and Floor (26.800) and added third-place marks in Bars (26.800) and Beam (25.825), for a 107.600 total team score.
“Coach Cathy Facer and I are incredibly proud of this year’s gymnastics team,” Walton gymnastics coach Amy Merlin said. “This year’s team success was built not on just a few individuals but on the depth of talent across the entire roster. These girls took what is often an individual sport, and with true Walton Raider pride, made it a true team effort.”
Walton sophomore Lizzy Wilson enjoyed individual success, finishing fourth in Floor (9.250) and fifth in Bars (9.150), contributing to an overall 37.225 score and lifting her to a fourth-place finish in All-Around.
Walton junior Reilly Haas had a sixth-place finish in the Balance Beam, as well.
