Sports are an integral part of the Cobb County community. This dynamic and thriving county located in north-central Georgia is home to numerous professional teams like the Atlanta Braves (Major League Baseball), Atlanta United (Major League Soccer), and the Atlanta Hawks (NBA). Collegiate sports are also an important part of Cobb County’s athletic identity. On top of that, the county has a wide range of sports facilities, from state-of-the-art stadiums to expansive parks.
Cobb County also has an extensive youth sports scene, with multiple organizations, divisions, and programs for all levels. The youth sports teams here, in particular, continue to make waves for their passion and achievements. From baseball powerhouses to dominant football teams, here are the Cobb County youth sports teams that you should keep your eye on.
Table of Contents:
- Pope Baseball: A Diamond Dynasty
- Pope Softball: Breaking Barriers
- Walton Football: Gridiron Glory
- Walton Cheerleading: Spirited Success
- Walton Softball: Diamond Warriors
- Walton Baseball: Battling on the Basepaths
- Cobb County Community Involvement
- Future Prospects and Developments
- Live in Cobb County, GA
Pope Baseball: A diamond dynasty
With 5 state championships under their belt, the Pope Baseball team has one of the most incredible track records in the region. This high school baseball team from Pope High School in Marietta, Georgia has built a reputation for their grit, determination, and impressive victories. The Pope Baseball team competes at the 6A division, one of the most competitive regions in the state. The baseball team is referred to as the “Pope Baseball Greyhounds.”
The Pope Baseball team is known for having the best power hitters when it comes to offense. They also have a strong reputation for pulling off amazing comebacks. Even with the other team in the lead, it’s no match for the hustle and competitive spirit of the Pope Greyhounds.
The youth sports program of Cobb County’s Pope Baseball team is known for producing exceptional players. In fact, many of the players have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels. Aside from honing their athletic skills, players of the Pope Baseball team are highly encouraged to excel in their academics and be involved with the local community.
Recent achievements and championships:- 2023 – State Runner-Up
- 2022 – State Champions
- 2019 – State Runner-Up
- 2018 – State Champions
- 2017 – State Champions
Learn more about the Pope Baseball team here.
Pope Softball: Breaking barriers
Also hailing from Pope High School in Marietta, Georgia, the Pope Softball team is a force to be reckoned with. This powerhouse team consistently reaches the playoffs, with 13 consecutive appearances since 2010. During the 2022 season, the Pope Softball team had their best record yet, winning 35 games and conceding only once. In the same year, the team was given the title of “National Champions” by Extra Inning Softball.
Recent achievements and championships:
- 2023 – State Runner-Up
- 2022 – State Champions
- 2019 – State Champions
- 2018 – State Runner-Up
- 2017 – State Playoffs
Every athlete on the Pope Softball team has made a significant contribution to the team’s success. Among the current and past athletes on the team, there are two that stand out the most:
- Kelly Barnhill is the most decorated softball athlete in Pope High School’s history. As an exceptional right-handed pitcher, she was named the Gatorade Georgia Softball Player of the Year for 2014-2015 and the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year in 2017. She also won an ESPY for Best Female Collegiate Athlete, also in 2017.
- Kendall Frost is one of the best pitchers in the Pope Softball team. She finished her senior year with an impressive 18-4 record. She led the team to a Class 6A state championship and was voted as the Cobb County Softball Pitcher of the Year.
Learn more about the Pope Softball team here.
Walton Football: Gridiron glory
The Walton Raiders of Walton Football High School are no strangers to success. The team has a long legacy of dominating the season, having reached the playoffs 25 times since 1981. The team is ranked 4th overall among the high school football teams in Georgia, and 18th in the country. During the 2022-2023 season, the Walton Football team finished with a 14-1 record.
The Walton Raiders Football team is known for their offense. After the last season, the team finished with a total of 716 points, the most points scored in the 7A classification. The Walton Raiders Football team also set the school record for having a total of 94 offensive touchdowns and for scoring at least 47.7 points per game.
Outstanding athletes:
The Walton Raiders Football team produced many top-notch players who went on to play college football and in the NFL.
- Daniel Calhoun is hailed as one of the best offensive linemen in the region, Daniel is known for his passion, determination, and strong work ethic. He was given the nickname “Beast” by his family and teammates because of his ability to play multiple positions on the field.
- Jeremy Hecklinski is the talented quarterback of the Walton Raiders known for his successful touchdowns, interceptions, and pass attempts. He was recognized as the Cobb County Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the 2023 MaxPreps National Player of the Year.
- Chase Thomas is an outside linebacker named as the Cobb County Defensive Player of the Year and was part of PrepStar’s All-Southeast Region for the Class of 2008. He was signed to the New Orleans Saints, the Atlanta Falcons, and the San Francisco 49ers.
Learn more about the Walton Football team here.
Walton Cheerleading: Spirited success
When it comes to team spirit, the Walton Cheerleading team raises the bar each time. Their dedication, passion, and talent have been a source of pride for the school as they constantly strive to outdo themselves in every competition. The Walton Cheerleading program has varsity and junior varsity squads, including teams that compete in local and national events.
In 2023, the Walton Cheerleading team won the GHSA (Georgia High School Association) State Cheerleading Championships. Their score of 106.5 not only secured the championship, but it also set the record for being the highest score in the program’s history. This cheerleading state championship victory was also a first for Walton High School and for any Cobb County school in 26 years.
Beyond the competitions
Aside from excelling in their sport, the Walton Cheerleading team are academic achievers. These student-athletes have an average cumulative GPA of 3.568. The Walton Cheerleading team is able to balance their studies and their rigorous training schedule of 7 to 8 hours a week, along with their cheerleading duties at Friday night football games.
Every year, the Walton Cheerleading team hosts the Raider Cheer Classic, a prestigious cheerleading competition with participating schools from across the region. The annual event is typically held in September and has various competition levels.
Learn more about the Walton Cheerleading team here.
Walton Softball: Diamond Warriors
Competing in the 6A division of the GHSA, the Walton High School Raiders Softball team is a varsity fastpitch team with a strong track record. The team has a history of success, having won several regional titles and state championships. During the 2023 season, the girls advanced to the GHSA Super Regionals, winning the title with a 15-9 record.
Walton High School also has a developmental program for students between 5th grade to 8th grade who want to hone their softball skills and prepare for high school play. There are two teams in the Walton Jr. Fastpitch Softball program: the gold team and the silver team. The gold team prepares the advanced players to play at the high school level while the silver team is tailored to the younger or less experienced players.
Outstanding athletes:- Blakely Caldwell is an all-around player known for her pitching prowess. Her competitive mindset makes her the perfect defensive player for the Walton Softball team.
- Grace Manus is known for her solid defense in the infield and outfield. Grace is a talented softball player who is also a product of the youth sports program of Cobb County. She started as a Junior Raider and is now playing for the Walton High School Raiders Softball team.
- Audrey Gurule is another versatile player on the Walton Softball team. She can play second base, shortstop, and outfield. Audrey is also a member of the Bombers Premier Stephens, a fastpitch travel softball program for girls under 18.
Learn more about the Walton Softball team here.
Walton Baseball: Battling on the basepaths
Known for their solid pitching plans and winning offensive strategies, the Walton Raiders Baseball team have a proven formula for success. During the 2022 to 2023 season, the Walton Baseball team reached the 7A Region finals, finishing with an 18-11 record. And in the season before that, the team accomplished a 22-13 record. Home games are played at The Yard, a state-of-the-art baseball facility.
The Walton Baseball team is backed by the Walton Raider Dugout Club, a dedicated booster club that provides support for the team in the form of events, fundraisers, and youth baseball clinics.
Notable alumni:These are the past Walton Raiders who have gone on to succeed in the big leagues:
- Carter Kieboom was drafted by the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2016. He plays third baseman and shortstop for the team.
- Spencer Kieboom also played for the Washington Nationals as a catcher and first baseman. In 2019, Spencer retired from professional baseball.
- Zac Kristofak, a right-handed pitcher, plays for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, a Double-A affiliate team of the Los Angeles Angels.
- Stephen Wrenn plays as an outfielder. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2016 and played for the Arkansas Travelers, the Seattle Mariners’ Double-A affiliate team.
Learn more about the Walton Baseball team here.
Cobb County community involvement
Aside from being a vibrant and diverse community, Cobb County is also a haven when it comes to sports and outdoor recreation. The county has top-notch sports facilities like Truist Park, which is home to four-time World Champions Atlanta Braves, and the Al Bishop Softball Complex. The Acworth Sports Complex is another notable sports facility in Cobb County. The 42-acre sports area has 6 baseball fields, 2 football fields, and batting cages.
Cobb County also aims to provide plenty of athletics opportunities for the young ones in the community. There are various volunteer organizations that coordinate with the county for the use of its sports facilities. Whether it’s a traditional sport like baseball or something unique like BMX, Cobb County has youth sports programs for every interest. Here are the youth athletics offered by Cobb County:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- BMX
- Football
- Lacrosse
- Cheerleading
- Softball
- Soccer
- Track and field
Future prospects and developments
Anticipated seasons and upcoming competitions
In Georgia, both the regional and state championships are organized by the GHSA (Georgia High School Association). Regional championships precede the state championships, with teams or individuals from the same region competing against each other. State championships, on the other hand, have the winners from each region competing for the state title.
The GHSA has tournaments in the fall, winter, and spring, with a diverse range of sports across all three seasons. These state championships are not just limited to athletics. The GHSA also has literary and theater competitions, which allows students to express themselves through their art.
Here’s what to expect throughout the year:
- Fall: cheerleading, cross country, flag football, football, fastpitch softball, volleyball, one act play
- Winter: basketball, bass fishing, dance, E-sports, swimming and diving, wheelchair basketball, wrestling, literary
- Spring: baseball, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, riflery, slowpitch softball, soccer, tennis, track & field, adapted track & field