News Summary
Lakeside High School’s Kobi Barnes has been awarded the title of FOX54’s A+ Athlete in recognition of his dedication and skill on the field. Meanwhile, Ryan Hanson from Augusta University shares her transition journey into college softball, embracing new academic and social aspects of southern living. Other standout athletes include Catie Craig, who will participate in the upcoming Augusta National Women’s Amateur, and Autumn Phillips and Demitri Gardner, recognized as Georgia’s Own Student-Athletes of the Month. The local sports scene is thriving with talent and passion.
Augusta Buzz: Lakeside High’s Kobi Barnes Crowned as FOX54’s A+ Athlete!
Hey Augusta! Exciting news is unfolding around town, so grab your favorite snack and let’s dive into the latest happenings!
Spotlight on Kobi Barnes
First up, we have a fantastic highlight from Lakeside High School! Kobi Barnes has been celebrated as FOX54’s A+ Athlete, and for a good reason! His dedication, hard work, and incredible talent on the field have made him a standout among his peers. It’s no surprise that he’s getting recognized, and the community is all abuzz about it. Keep your eyes on Kobi as we’re sure there are even more exciting feats to come from this young athlete!
Softball Shenanigans at Augusta University
Moving over to the collegiate scene, we have a story that’ll warm your heart. Ryan Hanson, a junior at Augusta University, made a leap of faith by transferring from a college where she hardly got to play. Now she’s making waves as a catcher for the Jaguars! The transition hasn’t just been about the game; it’s been a remarkable journey of adjusting to the southern lifestyle. Ryan has noticed a charm in the slower pace and more laid-back interactions that southern living offers. People actually strike up conversations in public, and she’s soaking that in like a sponge!
Academic Aspirations
When she’s not diving for home runs, Ryan is tapping into her academic side by pursuing a degree in accounting. She initially thought about a business degree but found herself drawn to the behind-the-scenes thrill of number crunching. Talk about a bright future ahead!
A Life Full of Passions
Softball has been in Ryan’s life since age five, and she even played volleyball until her junior year of high school. But here’s a fun twist: she’s recently picked up a new hobby of bedazzling canvases with friends! How creative is that? And if you think her life is all about sports, guess again! Ryan is a self-proclaimed concert enthusiast, having attended over 50 concerts, with a cool Coldplay show lined up for this summer. Traveling to Canada for more concerts is just part of the excitement for her!
Keeping Up with TikTok
When it comes to entertainment, Ryan prefers the quick thrills of TikTok over lengthy movies, which can sometimes feel like they drag on. She recently dealt with a 12-hour TikTok ban, but she managed to switch gears and found a creative outlet on Instagram reels instead. The ups and downs of social media life, right?
Golf Update: Women’s Amateur Incoming
Hot off the presses, we have Catie Craig from Western Kentucky University accepting an invite to the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur! With five wins under her belt in college golf and over 1,000 career points in college basketball, Catie is gearing up for a fiercely competitive showdown among top amateur players. Can’t wait to see how she lights up the course!
Recognizing Stellar Student-Athletes
In more recognition news, Autumn Phillips and Demitri Gardner from Augusta University have been honored as Georgia’s Own Student-Athletes of the Month for January. Autumn put up an impressive average of 9.3 points per game in women’s basketball, while Demitri wowed fans with a remarkable 25.3 points per game! What a phenomenal celebration of athletic skill.
International Flavor on Campus
And let’s not forget about Priscilla Landi, a junior on Augusta’s tennis team from Argentina! After initially facing language barriers, she’s now shining in her studies with her eyes set on a degree in Cyber Security. Priscilla enjoys the simple pleasures of golf, cooking, and music, and has her sights set on a dream trip to the Maldives. Talk about wanderlust!
Looking Ahead
As we follow the journeys of Ryan, Priscilla, and all these incredible athletes, it’s clear that Augusta University and the local high schools are fostering talent, friendship, and success. We can’t wait to see where these journeys take them next!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Augusta Jags: Athlete Spotlight Series – Ryan Hanson
- Wikipedia: Augusta University
- WKU Sports: Catie Craig Invited to Augusta National Women’s Amateur
- Google Search: Augusta National Women’s Amateur
- Augusta Jags: Georgia’s Own Student-Athletes of the Month
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Student Athlete
- Augusta Jags: Athlete Spotlight Series – Priscilla Landi
- Google News: Priscilla Landi Augusta University
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
