August Elite Athletes of the Month
Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools are provided the opportunity to name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville.
The Woodland High School Elite Athlete of the Month for August 2021 is Lainey Baker.
A senior pitcher and outfielder for the Lady Cats softball team, Baker recently surpassed the 500 career strikeout milestone.
The daughter of Beth and Bradley Baker, Lainey has 40 strikeouts this season in 23-1/3 innings in the pitching circle. She has a 3.30 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP.
At the plate, Baker carries a .333 batting average and a 1.111 SLG% with a pair of home runs and five RBIs.
An excellent student, Baker is ranked ninth in her graduating class with a 4.0 GPA. She has committed to continue her education and playing career at Columbus State University.
“Lainey is an extremely high character player,” said Lady Cats’ head coach Matt Montgomery. “She has worked her way back from a back injury that sidelined her for most of the spring and summer. She has worked extremely hard to get back on the field and rejoin her teammates.”
The August 2021 Elite Athlete of the Month for Cass High School is Eryn Lee.
A senior on the Colonels softball team, Lee leads the team with a .444 batting average and has been a threat on the base paths with five stolen bases in the early season.
Eryn, the daughter of James and Kristina Lee, is credited by the Cass coaching staff for her demeanor and the ability to hold her teammates accountable in a positive way. She is loved and respected by all her teammates and coaches.
Lee also takes care of business in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA. She will continue her playing career at Reinhardt University.
Mia Nicklas is the August 2021 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cartersville High School.
A junior Libero and defensive specialist for the Lady Canes volleyball team, Nicklas is the daughter of Jim and Heather Nicklas.
A co-captain on the 2021 team, Nicklas is credited by head coach Alicen Pearson for going above and beyond the expected in her team role. “Mia keeps the players and coaches on task. She is driven to be our best on and off the court. She demonstrates her drive and willingness to exceed by being a role model for others. She is also always giving encouragement and positive feedback to others,” said coach Pearson.
“We all dream of having a Mia on our team or in our class,” Pearson continued. “She is the ideal athlete and student.”
Nicklas has ben an all-A Honor Roll student in first through tenth grades. She is a National Society of High School Scholars member, Junior National Beta Club 2017-19, and National Beta Club, Women in STEM. She has received awards including Citizenship Award, Etowah Valley Historical Society certificate of recognition, the youth citizenship award from the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the 2019 Conatus award.
“I plan to work my hardest to play volleyball in college,” Nicklas commented. “I want to study something in the medical field and grow to be the best version of myself.”
The Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for August 2021 is Makayla Wade.
A senior three sport athlete on the Lady Tigers softball, basketball, and track teams, Wade is the daughter of Nick and Jessica Sellers.
“Makayla is a leader in our softball program,” said Adairsville head coach Amanda Nelson. “She consistently makes the plays in left field and is a competitor at the plate.”
“Her character leads her development,” continued Nelson. “She is dedicated to her commitments, knows how to work hard, listens to learn, and is not afraid to fail because she understands that’s a part of the growing progress.”
Wade carries a 3.7 GPA in the classroom and plans to attend nursing school. She is an active member at North Pointe Church in Adairsville where she serves in the youth group and nursery.
Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a radio feature on WBHF.
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