Cobb Schools' Athlete of the Week program is a weekly recognition of a male and a female student-athlete that perform at high levels in their sport, in the classroom, and in their school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN. 

This week's winners are soccer players from two of Cobb's three state champion teams, Harrison and Lassiter:

AJ Daniels, Soccer, Harrison

AJ had an MVP performance in the All-Cobb 7A State Championship game helping Harrison to control the midfield and keep possession.  His outstanding performance was capped by a spectacular game-winning goal with six minutes left in double-overtime.

"AJ is an amazing person that also happens to be a phenomenal soccer player," said his very proud coach Jonathan Gross. "On the soccer team he has been a starter since he was a freshman and pours his heart and soul into every practice and game."

"His impact on the Harrison community is not limited to the soccer field," Coach Gross continued. "AJ was a kicker for the football team and excels in the classroom. He currently holds the highest GPA on the team having challenged himself in a number of AP classes. He was also selected by the student body as Prom King. As a coach, it is a dream to have a person and player like AJ."

Nena Watts, Soccer, Lassiter

Last week, the Lassiter Girls Soccer Team won the State Championship at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. They were matched against a highly-ranked Cambridge team that had scored 30 goals in the playoffs while allowing only two. One of Cambridge's players is among the best in the country and a Florida State commit, which is the top soccer program in Division 1. It was Nena's job to guard her and slow her down for 100 minutes (regulation and two OT periods). 

It was a heavyweight battle, but Nena was relentless in her efforts. She chased down, battled, and helped her team to capture their second State Championship and first undefeated season in program history!

"She is a team leader in the way she encourages her teammates but also carries herself on and off the field," said Head Coach Robbie Galvin. "She is a junior this year and she was named 1st Team All-Region and Defensive MVP for Lassiter. She is just as competitive in the classroom as she is on the field."

"Nena is the true definition of a student athlete," said Lassiter Athletic Director Scott Kelly. "She has a 4.2 GPA with several advanced classes and is a leader on and off the field for us at Lassiter. Nena makes Lassiter better!"

Congratulations to Harrison and Lassiter for state titles, and congratulations to AJ and Nena for making these championships possible! Great job!