September 5, 2025—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 from North Cobb High School and South Cobb High School. Leah Byrd plays softball for the Warriors, and Freedom Jones is the quarterback for the Eagle football team.
Leah Byrd, Softball, North Cobb
A senior pitcher for the Warriors, Leah had an outstanding week on the mound and at the plate. She won two games, pitched 10 innings, struck out 16 batters, and allowed only five hits. She hit 5-for-9, scored two runs, drove in two more, and tallied a double and two triples. Leah is also an all-star in the classroom. She carries a 4.25 grade-point average and was named North Cobb's Spanish Student of the Year as a freshman and the Business and Marketing Student of the Year her sophomore year. She also plays flag football for the Warriors. On top of that, she has earned numerous awards, including Region Pitcher and Player of the Year, Cobb County Pitcher of the Year, and First Team All-State twice. Leah is committed to play collegiately at Auburn University.
"Every great team has a player who teammates, coaches, and fans can look to in big moments. Leah has been that the minute she stepped onto the field as a freshman," said Head Coach Michael Turchan. "Although she will be the first one to tell you it cannot be done without the help of her teammates, she has been the heartbeat of this program. In her junior year, she set 13 single-season records for North Cobb. She truly has no limitations on the softball field."
Coach Turchan isn’t the only one praising Leah’s impact on the Warriors.
"She has been the heart of the softball team since her freshman year, and she is probably the best pitcher North Cobb has ever had. She is as good a person as she is an athlete," said North Cobb Athletic Director Matt Williams about his Athlete of the Week.
Freedom Jones, Football, South Cobb
The South Cobb football team is 2-1 for the first time since 2014! Freedom is a significant reason why the team is having a great year. In their first win over 21-point favorite Banneker, he passed for 248 yards and four touchdowns and added another 137 yards rushing. This win snapped a 32-game losing streak for the Eagles, and they proved it wasn't a fluke by also beating Drew 41-14 the next week. Freedom is a junior and has been playing football since he was six years old. He is also a high academic achiever and a leader by example.
"Freedom is a natural leader who has been a great boost to team morale and team chemistry," said Head Coach Marcus Washington. "He wants to see everyone around him do well, and his ability to inspire his teammates is what makes him special. He is an extremely hard worker who often stays after practice to get additional throws in. Freedom has a strong support system at home. He has two siblings on this team with him and a dad who does a great job of pushing him to be the best version of himself so he can achieve his dreams and aspirations in life."
Coach Washington’s words were echoed by South Cobb Athletic Director Ormond Moore.
"He is a great role model for other student-athletes," agreed AD Moore. "He's such a competitor and enjoys being on the field. He is respectful, charismatic, and easy to follow."
Well done, Leah and Freedom! You are both great examples of what it takes to excel in the classroom and on the field. Best of luck to both of you and your teams as you continue your seasons!
