March 23, 2026 — Spring sports are in full swing, and Cobb athletes are already breaking records! The current Athletes of the Week (AOW) are senior student-athletes who excel in the classroom and on the field.
Cobb Athletics awards the AOW to celebrate student-athletes who inspire and excel in their sports, academics, and communities. The award is made possible through continuing support from BSN Sports. This week's honors go to Lance Greenlee from Kennesaw Mountain High School and Ashley Anne Braun from Pope High School.
Lance Greenlee, Track & Field, Kennesaw Mountain
During his first three years in high school, Lance was a dual-sport athlete competing in basketball and track. This year, he decided to focus solely on his running and has been training nonstop since placing third in the state in his junior year. That work ethic is paying off, as Lance has already broken the school record in the 400 this month... twice! His record time of 47.80 means he was running an average speed of nearly 19 MPH for the entire quarter-mile! Lance is an honor student at Kennesaw Mountain and also does great work in the classroom.
"Lance represents the balance of academic and athletic excellence," said his proud coach Steve Copeland. "He has consistently increased his commitment to becoming the best athlete he can be."
His leadership and consistency set him apart.
"He is a four-year member of our Track & Field team and has been an important contributor throughout his career. He recently completed his indoor season by placing 15th in the nation in the 400 meters at the New Balance Nationals. As a senior, he leads by example—consistently on time, fully committed, and willing to put in the work required to compete at a high level," concluded Coach Copeland about his school's Athlete of the Week.
Ashley Anne Braun, Lacrosse, Pope
A four-year varsity starter and a two-year team captain, Ashley Anne recently scored her 100th career goal and 200th career draw control. She is a coach on the field and a calming presence in the heat of competition. She currently leads the team with 23 goals and seven assists so far this season. She has a 4.45 GPA and is a member of Habitat for Humanity, SGA, National Honor Society, Ro Kappa Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, and English Honor Society. Ashley Anne is a classroom leader and is well-liked by her peers and teachers. She is committed to the University of Delaware to play Division 1 Lacrosse next year.
"Her impact is felt on and off the field," commented her coach, William Mitchell. "She makes big plays when the team needs them the most. When we need a goal or a win in the draw, Ash is the one who gets it done. She is truly the heartbeat of our team!"
Pat Hall, Pope's JV coach and Ashley Anne's English teacher, adds, "In the classroom, Ashley Anne has the same indomitable spirit that she has on the lacrosse field. If I ask for 400 words, she’ll write 600. If I need some guided notes, she’ll add more in the margins. There is never a doubt that she gives her very best effort."
Her dedication has also made a strong impression on school leadership.
Pope's Athletic Director, Josh Mathews, summed up Ashley Anne's positive effect on the school by saying, "She sets the standard for student-athletes in our school. This is exemplified by her heavy AP course load, even in her senior year. She was recently recognized as being among the top 7% of her graduating class! Ashley Anne is the model of excellence."
Congratulations, Lance and Ashley Anne! You are both perfect examples of what it takes to be a Cobb Athlete of the Week. Well done, Kennesaw Mountain and Pope! Thank you for supporting these exceptional student-athletes so well.
