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 seniors from Pope and Walton. Ethan Garrett pitches for the Greyhound baseball team, and Annika Gomeyac plays golf for the Raiders.
Ethan Garrett, Baseball, Pope
In a recent sweep of region opponent Sequoyah, Ethan threw his first career no-hitter, allowing a single base-runner with a walk. He also outdueled an FSU signee who took the mound against him. Formerly an outfielder for the Greyhounds, Ethan has adjusted well to the pressures of the mound and serves as a great example to younger players, both on the field and in the classroom. He will attend Georgia Southern University to pitch for the Eagles next year.
"Ethan is a true ACE pitcher who gives the team a great chance at achieving victory each time he takes the mound," said his Head Coach, Chris Turco. "He is a leader who is able to mentor and show the younger generation of Pope Greyhounds how to act in accordance with Pope Baseball culture and how to prepare for success. He tells his own story of being an average player when he was younger, but he has now focused himself on his craft and elevated his abilities through dedication to training, diet, and career."
"He is the prototypical Pope student-athlete who excels both on and off the field," agreed Athletic Director Josh Mathews. "Pope is a very rigorous academic institution, and he carries over a 3.6 GPA while also excelling at a very high level on the baseball field. Ethan is a polite and respectful young man, and we are proud to call him a Pope Greyhound. With his makeup as a person and a competitor, Ethan has a chance to reach special levels of excellence in whatever he pursues in life."
Annika Gomeyac, Golf, Walton
A golfer for nearly half her life, Annika recently shot an overall 73 at the Cobb County Championship. She won the Individual portion by seven strokes and helped lead her team to a 4-stroke victory. She also plays violin in the school's orchestra and takes a challenging course load. She is preparing to head to the University of Alabama-Birmingham in the fall to further her golf and academic career.
"Annika is the leader of our team. Her focus is contagious, and she leads through her performance," said Head Golf Coach Monty Bumper. "She is an exceptional golfer and a wonderful mentor to our younger players. Her dedication to success is evident in her ability to stay focused and driven in everything she does, whether it's her athletic performance or schoolwork. She is a great golfer but an even better person."
Walton Athletic Coordinator Christopher Jones also had nothing but praise for Annika.
"Her combination of talent, intelligence, and discipline makes her an inspiring role model for others. She is a very humble young lady who lets her actions speak for her. She embodies the spirit of a Walton student-athlete!" Mr. Jones said proudly.
Congratulations, Ethan and Annika! You are both great examples of what it takes to be a top-performing student-athlete in Cobb. Great job supporting these exceptional seniors, Pope and Walton!
