September 15, 2025—The Cobb Schools’ Athletic Department has selected the latest Coach of the Month (COM) winners. The COM award highlights one female and one 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 in and out of the classroom,” 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 first Coach of the Month winners for the 2025-26 school year are from South Cobb and Walton high schools. Marcus Washington coaches football for the Eagles, and Ashley Jones is the Raiders’ volleyball coach.
Marcus Washington, Football, South Cobb
In his second season as the Eagles' head football coach, Coach Washington has changed the culture of South Cobb Football. His positivity has become contagious to the rest of the school. He emphasizes discipline and no one being above the team. Under his leadership, the players and coaches have found success. He has been coaching football since 2012. Before that, he played college football as a linebacker for the Georgia Bulldogs and graduated in 2010. Family is very important to Coach Washington; he makes sure his players are active in the community and present and helpful at school events, including the annual Community Fun Day and welcoming elementary students at the car line.
"When we started the search for a new coach, we did not want only a football coach; we wanted a leader. That is exactly what we got!" said South Cobb Principal Tommy Perry. "He's looked at as a role model and has a presence about himself which our students and student athletes gravitate towards and respect highly. Honestly, the biggest thing I admire about him is that he is simply a good man. He's a good husband and father; his wife and kids are always at every game—home and away—and they all help out. That says so much about his character and priorities."
That sentiment is shared across the school, where the South Cobb coach's influence has been felt by colleagues as well as students.
"Coach Washington keys on the same principles that we stand on in the athletic department. Discipline is the key. When visions are aligned, it makes my job as AD easier. He is active at all sporting events and supports all athletics by being visible for his colleagues. He is an outstanding leader, and that is what makes him a great coach," said Eagle Athletic Director Ormond Moore.
Ashley Jones, Volleyball, Walton
Hired late in the spring of 2025, Coach Jones has hit the ground running with the Raiders. She has led the team to an 8-1 start and top ranking in the state. She is the third head coach in as many seasons and has already created a very positive culture in the Raider volleyball program. The team is energetic and plays hard for one another. Around the school, her enthusiasm is contagious. She is building relationships with other coaches and encourages her players to go to other sporting events. This is helping to draw large home crowds overall as athletes from other teams are coming out to support volleyball. In the classroom, she also helps lead the Algebra curriculum team.
"Coach Jones is very organized and passionate about students having the best possible experience," said Walton AD Chris Jones. "She takes great pride in her teaching and coaching and she means a tremendous amount to Walton. She is a very active member of our school and visible at many events. She values the development of the student as a person and having a great experience competing, plus she takes the time to get to know many of our students, not just her players."
Congratulations Coaches Washington and Jones! Your leadership and mentorship are so valuable and appreciated at your schools. Thank you for all you do every day for Cobb's student-athletes!
