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, in the classroom, and in their school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN Sports.

This week’s AOW winners are a senior runner from Kennesaw Mountain and a freshman soccer player from South Cobb.

Ryan Nash, Kennesaw Mountain, Track & Field

With two recent Cobb County Championships—in both the 100m and 200m—Ryan helped lead the Mustangs to a 4th place finish overall. In addition, he helped his relay teams to take second in the 4x100 relay and third in the 4x200 relay. He is also a top-notch student with multiple academic scholarship offers and is a member of the National Honor Society. He even delayed the presentation of his AOW award so he could finish a test in AP Economics!

"One of the best days for our team was when Ryan did not make the baseball team as a sophomore," said his coach Steve Copeland with a smile. "He quickly became one of our top 400-meter runners and has anchored both our 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams for two years. We have not yet seen just how good he can be in these races."

"Very few students can match his combined academic and athletic abilities, but few know the true level of his successes. Ryan is a quiet and humble person who leads by example. In a time of self-promotion, he just goes about his business and allows his performance to speak for him," concluded Coach Copeland.

Heidi Rios, South Cobb, Soccer

In a recent win over Booker T. Washington, Heidi scored four goals, which brings her team-leading total to 14 with one more game to play. She is averaging more than one goal every game and leads her team in points, despite being only a freshman. She gets it done in the classroom, too. Heidi currently has a 3.625 GPA. She also plays club soccer for Top Hat and competes on both the local and national level.

"Heidi is an integral part of the South Cobb Lady Eagles Soccer Team," said her coach Mandrell Perryman. "Her skill and relentless nature have been important to the continued growth of our team. She leads by example when she is on the field. Even in games where she did not score, just the threat of her being on offense opens it up for her teammates. In the Pebblebrook game her distribution of the ball around the field was a key in the win."

"She is well-liked by teammates and classmates alike due to her fun-loving personality. She is a true joy to be around and keeps everyone smiling," Coach Perryman said about the Lady Eagles' Athlete of the Week.