August 21, 2026 — With the GHSA's offseason reclassification, Cobb Schools has nine high schools competing in the state's highest classification, 7A. This year will be a bit different from years past. The reclass brought a bit of a region shuffle, and the new Post-Season Ranking (PSR) system also adds a new wrinkle to the playoffs. One of the first sports to experience the new and updated system will be Cobb's softball teams.
"The new classifications and regions will definitely bring some new challenges and different competition," said North Cobb Softball Coach Bailey Arnaud. "We're excited about the opportunity to compete against new teams and see where we stack up. It should make for an exciting season."
"We are excited to have North Atlanta High School in Region 3," commented Campbell Softball Coach Rico Billups. "They are 7.5 miles away, and we would love to create the battle of the Chattahoochee between our schools!"
Coach Billups also recognized the unknowns surrounding the new PSR system but remained optimistic that it is a step in the right direction.
"PSR will be a little tricky to navigate, but we will find a way to be in the top 16," he said confidently.
Harrison's Head Softball Coach, Richard Dombrowsky, said he was looking forward to playing new teams and traveling to new fields with the region shakeup. "It's always exciting because it introduces us to new programs and different fields to travel to and compete on," he said of Harrison’s inclusion in Region 3.
The complete region picture for Cobb's 7A teams looks like this: Campbell, Harrison, Hillgrove, Kennesaw Mountain, McEachern, and Pebblebrook (along with North Atlanta) in Region 3. North Cobb, Walton, and Wheeler join Cherokee, Etowah, Marietta, North Paulding, and Paulding County in Region 5.
Veteran Leadership
While every team dreams of hoisting the state championship trophy at the end of the season, that goal is more attainable when varsity experience is present on the field. Some of Cobb's 7A teams are returning a lot of veteran players, while others are rebuilding.
"The core of our team is returning this season, which is a first for us in quite a while," said Kennesaw Mountain Coach Sarah Shaver. "That core is made up of mostly upperclassmen, which gives us more experience and leadership than we've had in quite some time."
Although Walton's program graduated three players from last year's Elite 8 team, Head Coach John Evans has five returning seniors on his Lady Raider squad. Senior Blakely Caldwell is likely out for the season with a torn labrum (shoulder), but she will no doubt offer Coach Evans wisdom from the bench.
"We played a good bit of young players last season, and that experience will hopefully be on display this year. Emerson Foster, Nikoletta Bardwell, Nicole Manning, and Stella Figueroa are our other returning seniors, and I saw so much growth in them last season as players and as students. I'm looking forward to watching them lead the younger girls this season," Coach Evans said.
The Lady Spartans are returning five experienced players, each with multiple years of varsity play, and four selected to All-Region teams last season. Harper MacDonald is a senior, a four-year starter, and was selected to the first team All-Region last year. The rest of the returning players are juniors: Aidan Bewley, Aubrey Headd, Evelyn Herrington, and Carter Smith. These upperclassmen combine for 15 years of varsity experience and will be the key players to lead the Campbell team this season.
Harrison's veteran players have already been doing their part to prepare the younger players.
"Our seniors have done tremendous work helping the younger players grow in the offseason and to start the year. Brooke Belair, Kinsey Carlton, Laila Cortopassi, Abby Harris, and Nola Tylke have committed themselves to leading our program," Coach Dombrowsky said proudly.
North Cobb's team has a good mix of returners and new players.
"Our returning players will be important in providing leadership and setting the standard, while our younger players will have opportunities to step into big roles. I'm excited about the balance and potential of this group," said Coach Arnaud. "I'm especially proud of the way our players have embraced the expectations and culture we're working to establish."
That mix of experience and potential has the North Cobb coach optimistic about what lies ahead.
"There is a lot of pride and tradition in this program, and we want to continue building on that. We're ready to get to work and see what this team can accomplish," Coach Arnaud concluded about her goals for the 2026 season.
The Lady Wildcats at Wheeler have a fairly young team this year, and Head Coach Michael Charlton anticipates an exciting season.
"We have 14 freshmen that we have to work around the field," Coach Charlton said, "and I'm looking forward to watching them grow into their own. We don't have a lot of returning experience, but I am expecting seniors Jaylin Smith, MaryCate Massey, Elise Perry, and Lexi McCarty to be the leaders for us this season."
Team Growth
Regardless of the overall experience, each 7A coach in Cobb Softball looks forward to the team's growth over the course of the season. Building a team culture takes time, and veteran players can help pass that culture on year to year, but each team is different and has a "personality" of its own. Coaches must be able to identify the characteristics of each year's group and help them to come together as a team. Coach Billups summed up the task of a coach well when asked about his goals for the 2026 season.
"Of course, we want to compete for a region championship, and a state championship as well, but the goal is to put Campbell High School and the city of Smyrna on the map, he said. "Ultimately, our job is to help these young athletes become the best version of themselves."
Best of luck to all Cobb 7A Softball teams this season. May you all take steps to become the best teams and the best versions of yourselves as you play the sport you love!
