SANDERSVILLE, Ga. -- Brentwood School has been awarded the 2025-2026 Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) AA Michael Drake Award, the highest collective honor presented to an athletic department during a school year.

Widely regarded as the most prestigious athletic department recognition in the GIAA, the Michael Drake Award honors overall athletic excellence across an entire school year. Schools accumulate points based on their performance in state competition, with the highest point totals awarded for state championships, followed by state runner-up finishes and other postseason accomplishments. The school in each GIAA classification that earns the most points throughout the year receives the award.

Named for Dr. Michael Drake, who served as Executive Director of the Georgia Independent School Association from 2001-2009, the award was first presented in 2002 and began recognizing champions by classification in 2015.

The honor marks Brentwood's sixth Michael Drake Award in the AA classification. The Eagles previously captured the award in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021.

The recognition caps what is regarded as the most successful athletic year in Brentwood School's 56-year history.

During the 2025-2026 school year, Brentwood teams captured five GIAA AA State Championships and eight Region Championships -- both school records for a single academic year. Competing against some of the state's top independent school programs, Brentwood student-athletes produced unprecedented success across multiple sports throughout the year.

State Championship teams included:

• Football
• Boys Basketball
• Girls Basketball
• Boys Track & Field
• Girls Track & Field

In addition, Brentwood finished as State Runner-Up in Softball and Girls Tennis.

Other notable postseason accomplishments included a third-place finish in Golf, a Final Four appearance in Boys Tennis, and an Elite Eight appearance in Baseball.

Individually, Brentwood student-athletes continued to excel at the highest level. Twenty student-athletes earned All-State honors, while four state records and thirteen school records were broken or re-broken throughout the year.

Among the school's top individual recognitions:

• Baylor Cobb was named GIAA AA Football Player of the Year
• Tristan Robinson was named GIAA AA Boys Basketball Player of the Year
• Cadence English was named GIAA AA Girls Basketball Player of the Year
• Moriah Hitchcock earned the GIAA AA Girls Track High Point Award

Brentwood earned a Second Runner-Up finish in the GIAA State Literary competition, highlighted by two individual State Championships.

In the classroom, sixty percent of the Class of 2026 graduated as Honor Graduates, with 18 of 30 seniors earning academic honor cords. Members of the class also received six acceptances to the University of Georgia and three acceptances to the Georgia Institute of Technology.

While championships and accolades highlighted the year, the accomplishments reflected a culture that extends beyond wins and losses. Brentwood students continued to excel academically, compete with integrity, serve their community, and represent the school with character throughout the year.

Incoming Head of School Jamie Dickey said the award reflects the commitment of the entire Brentwood community.

"Winning the Michael Drake Award is an incredible honor because it represents excellence across our entire school community. While we are certainly proud of the championships, records, and accomplishments earned this year, what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the character, work ethic, and commitment demonstrated by our students every day. This award belongs to our student-athletes, coaches, teachers, parents, and supporters who work together to make Brentwood School such a special place."

Athletic Director Adam Lord credited the success to the dedication and consistency of Brentwood's student-athletes and coaching staff.

"To win five state championships, eight region championships, and have so many teams competing deep into the postseason is truly remarkable. What makes me most proud is the consistency of our programs and the culture our coaches have built. This award is not won by one team or one season — it is the result of countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment from our student-athletes and coaches. The Michael Drake Award recognizes the strength of an entire athletic department, and it is an honor to see Brentwood recognized among the top programs in the state."

The Michael Drake Award recognizes the strength of an entire athletic department rather than the success of a single team. For Brentwood School, the award serves as the culmination of a historic year defined by excellence across athletics, academics, and extracurricular competition.

While the 2025-2026 school year will be remembered as one of the finest in school history, Brentwood's coaches and student-athletes are already hard at work preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Media Contact:
Taylor Everett
Brentwood School
teverett@brentwoodschool.org
478-357-0879