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 state-champion wrestlers from North Cobb and Osborne. Ronan An is a sophomore for the Warriors, and Sandra DeSouza is a senior for the Cardinals.

Ronan An, Wrestling, North Cobb

Ronan is a nationally ranked wrestler who has been competing in the sport for nine years. He placed fourth in the state last year, losing only five matches his freshman season. This year, he logged a 50-0 record (!) and won the 215-pound individual (traditional) 6A state championship. Ronan is also a winner in the classroom with a 4.4 GPA and serves on North Cobb's Magnet Advisory Committee. He has helped the Warriors build a culture of tougher athletes and has embraced being a team leader.

"He has been an important part of our program for the past two years and a once-in-a-lifetime athlete," said his coach, Michael Dillard. "Ronan is not a 'look at me' type of athlete. He leads by example in practice and during matches. When he is not wrestling, you can always find him next to a mat, cheering and helping his teammates in matches. He will stay after practice and help teammates who want help with moves or extra work. In today's society, it is rare to have kids embrace and welcome hard and tough work, and Ronan does both. He is also one of the humblest human beings you will ever meet. We are so lucky he still has two more years at North Cobb!"

"Ronan is a perfect example of a student-athlete. He is a leader by his actions and always works hard at practice and in matches. He loves the competition. He is just a great overall kid who will one day be an extremely successful adult. We are very proud of him," said North Cobb Athletic Director Matt Williams in agreement.

Sandra DeSouza, Wrestling, Osborne

Sandra brings her winning attitude with her everywhere she goes. At this year's tournament, she won the Traditional Girls 235-pound 6A state championship. She became Osborne's first Girl's wrestling state champ and the school's first state champion in wrestling since 1982. Sandra also completed the Protect the Dream Program with POPP in the fall of this year.

"Sandra is very involved in the athletic programs at Osborne," said Head Wrestling Coach Troy Pruett. "She was a manager for the football team this year and throws shot put and discus for the track team. She works very hard in the classroom and stands out as one of our school's athletic leaders. She is a major reason our girls' team has had the success it has had over the past three years."

"She is a gritty, humble leader. She is a student-athlete who helps create a positive culture and sets a strong example through her actions. We are so proud of her resilience as a student and as an athlete," said AD Ron Boggs about Osborne's Athlete of the Week.

Congratulations, Ronan and Sandra! Your state championships are only the beginning; you both will go very far. Thank you for giving these top-notch student-athletes such great coaching and support, North Cobb and Osborne!