LANIER COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Drake Wolford has set his goals high for his senior year at Lanier County High School: be better in the classroom; be a better person and teammate, and help lead his team to another state championship.

The multi-sport athlete has earned recognition as this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete, balancing a 3.9 GPA with leadership roles in football and baseball.

“You just gotta work hard. It’s just like any other thing. You just gotta work hard,” Wolford said. “I’m a student-athlete, but the ‘student’ always comes first.”

Athletic versatility defines senior year

Wolford served as quarterback for the Bulldogs football team this fall before wrapping up his gridiron career. Now he turns his attention to baseball, where he plays centerfield and will captain the team’s pursuit of a third consecutive state championship.

The senior has committed to continue his baseball career at East Georgia State College, where he plans to study physical therapy.

“I just love the environment. When we went there for a little showcase, I loved it,” Wolford said. “I love Coach Mock. He was really interested in me. I love the campus. I love the school. They have what I want to be. I wanna be a physical therapist.”

Championship expectations loom large

As back-to-back state champions, the Lanier County baseball team faces high expectations entering the 2026 season. Wolford embraces the pressure that comes with defending consecutive titles.

“Obviously—another state championship on the line—We wanna get back to that,” Wolford said. “First, we just wanna win games. Coach Matt used to play here, and that was his goal and our goal... just to win another state championship.”

Head Coach Matt White has watched Wolford develop since childhood, having taught baseball lessons to Wolford and current teammates when White was a college student. The full-circle relationship gives White unique insight into his captain’s character.

“He’s different. He’s a hard worker... strives for success in everything he does,” White said. “Again, as great as a player he is, he’s an even better person.”

The Bulldogs open their season Wednesday, Feb. 4 against Bainbridge as they begin their quest for a third straight state title.

Congratulations to Drake Wolford for being recognized as this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete!

If you know an outstanding student-athlete, click here to nominate them.

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