The Cobb Schools’ Athletic Department has selected the latest Coach of the Month (COM) winners. The COM award highlights a female and a male coach doing exceptional work in the District. 

In conjunction with the Atlanta Braves and Good Game Atlanta, the winners receive a complimentary one-night stay at Aloft Atlanta at the Battery and dinner from Good Game Atlanta. 

“This is a small token of our appreciation for their efforts both on and off the court,” said Cobb’s Director of Athletics, Don Baker. “Coaches teach a full day, and their days are only half-over when the bell rings at 3:30. They continue to work with our student-athletes for hours each week, often at the expense of their own spouses and children. We believe we have the best coaches in the state and want to celebrate them as much as possible!”

The winners for March are from South Cobb and Wheeler. Andrele Kelly is the Eagles' Track and Field coach and Larry Thompson coaches boy's basketball for the Wildcats.

Andrele Kelly, South Cobb, Boys and Girls Track

As the only certified staff member on the Eagle track coaching staff, Coach Kelly puts in countless hours in the classroom and on the track supporting student-athletes. South Cobb has been short on track coaches for the past two years and Coach Kelly has stepped up for both the boys and girls track team and has also found community coaches to help support the program. She has led the team to many titles this season, and currently has runners who are ranked both at the state and national level. 

"Coach Kelly is an amazing special education teacher and runs a very tight and competitive track program," said Interim Athletic Director Lasonia White. "She also works closely with the booster club to ensure that her student athletes have everything they need. In addition, she serves as the head cross country coach during the fall. Coach Kelly is passionate about what she does and deserves this recognition, as she is not recognized nearly enough for all that she pours into the athletes of South Cobb!"

"She is the type of teacher and coach that makes my job much easier," agreed South Cobb Principal Tommy Perry. "Coach Kelly fulfills all her duties and responsibilities with fidelity and is always looking to grow as a coach and as a teacher. She has such a big heart for our students and wants them to be so successful that she treats each one like they were her own. She uses tough love and is a perfectionist when it comes to her runners, which has ultimately been paying off each year with the success of her athletes. Coach Kelly is truly an asset to South Cobb; she transforms students and athletes."

Larry Thompson, Wheeler, Basketball

Coach Thompson earned his fifth State Championship on March 11th by defeating Cherokee in the GHSA 7A State Championship game. He has earned three of those at Wheeler in only the last four years. He also recently won Coach of the Year from the Atlanta Tip-Off Club. He coached a McDonald’s All-American and Naismith Award winner this season in Isaiah Collier. 

"Coach Thompson is the epitome of excellence," Wheeler Athletic Director Brittny Jones said proudly. "His dedication and hard work as a coach, teacher, and leader stands out amongst other coaches in the state. I have learned so much from him in my first year at Wheeler, and I am thankful to work with him. He coaches with grace, respect, and has built long-lasting relationships on and off of the court with his players and has established an amazing rapport with the Wheeler community. He is by far the best basketball coach in the state!"

"I consider Coach one of my closest colleagues and a true trusted friend," said Principal Paul Gillihan. "I have come to depend on him for his passion for helping all of our students at Wheeler. I know he will represent our school and district with professionalism and that our team will always be prepared when they take the floor. As Principal, it means so much to know that I have coaches like him who are teaching our young men and ladies more than just how to play a sport. He is a consistent positive figure here and as we say at Wheeler, a part of my Wildcat Family!"

Congratulations Coaches Kelly and Thompson! Both of you are excellent examples of why Cobb is the Best Place to Teach, Lead, and Learn. Our student-athletes are learning much more than sports from you; they are learning how to be amazing young adults and community leaders. Thank you for all you do!