Samuel Pratt — Soccer at Point University
Head Coach Andrew Barnes praised Pratt’s leadership and contributions to the soccer program.
“Sam has been a huge part of our success. He’s a great leader on and off the field, always bringing energy and giving his all. I’m so proud of him and super excited to see what he does in the future,” Barnes said.
Ella Langford — Volleyball at Caldwell Community College
Langford will continue her volleyball career at Caldwell Community College next fall. Head Volleyball Coach Whittney LaHayne recognized her determination and influence on her teammates.
“Ella has been a standout athlete since the moment she stepped foot on our court. She has the work ethic and grit that any coach would want their players to have. Ella has led our team and pushed her teammates to want more the past 3 years; and it has paid off. Her presence is going to be greatly missed, but I am so proud of her, and I can’t wait to see what all her future holds,” LaHayne said.
Peyton Gaylor and AdaRae Thomas — Softball at Brenau University
Gaylor and Thomas will continue their softball careers together at Brenau University. Head Coach Rhett Carroll highlighted their perseverance and the foundation they helped build for the Lady Leopard softball program.
“When I think of these two girls, I think about work ethic, excellence, and commitment. These two have helped set an amazing foundation for our program based on the attributes I just mentioned. I remember AdaRae coming in every day at 6–6:30, working with Coach Bryan, and fighting like crazy to do everything she could to come back from a torn ACL while going to therapy every day after school, just for a slight chance to be back by the end of her junior year. Peyton hasn’t missed a single day of anything we’ve ever done, and at 14, she was asked to carry her team in the circle. These two ladies are wonderful athletes, raised by amazing parents, and their future is extremely bright,” Carroll said.
Kali Barker — Cheer at Piedmont University
Barker will take her talents to Piedmont University, where she will continue her cheer career. Coach Sydney Jones celebrated her character and leadership.
“She is an outstanding cheerleader and leader. She has a kind heart and great work ethic. She is going to do wonderful things at Piedmont! We are very proud of her!” Jones said.
Morgan Sparks — Golf at Brenau University
Sparks will continue her golf career at Brenau University. Coach Josh Shoemaker recognized her role in the success of the Lady Leopard golf program.
“Morgan is a senior who has signed to play golf at Brenau. Morgan is an amazing student-athlete who has helped the girls golf program be the best in the state. She is a part of back-to-back Area Championship teams and a part of last year’s State Championship team—one of only four team titles in Banks County history,” Shoemaker said.
Judd Schmakel — Baseball at Southern Union State Community College
Schmakel will continue his baseball career at Southern Union State Community College. Head Coach Jared Jones praised his commitment in the classroom and on the field.
“Judd is a four-year starter for us. He is a leader on and off the field. He takes care of business in the classroom and really has a bright future on the baseball field and in life. He is going to do great things. I am excited to see how his senior year goes!” Jones said.
Banks County Schools congratulates all seven student-athletes on this achievement. Their Leopard family looks forward to cheering them on as they continue their academic and athletic journeys.